As cities continue to expand and natural habitats disappear, new research from Queen’s University is helping explain why some birds thrive alongside humans while others struggle with urbanization.
In a recently published study in Royal Society Open Science,  researchers examined 431 North American bird species and identified several characteristics linked to their ability to survive and reproduce in urban environments. Birds that thrive in cities tend to be smaller, live longer, migrate less, and breed in a wider variety of habitats.
Take the familiar black-capped chickadee. Small, relatively long-lived, and largely non-migratory, chickadees are successful urban breeders. Compare that with the black-throated green warbler, which is also small but shorter-lived, migratory, and more dependent on less disturbed forests. While these warblers are fairly common outside Kingston, Ontario they aren't found breeding in the city.
The research raises some interesting questions: What makes certain birds better suited to city life? Why can some species adapt while others cannot? And what can these findings tell us about the future of bird populations as our communities continue to grow?
Queen's University researchers Dr. Fran Bonier and Dr. Paul Martin are available to discuss the findings and what they reveal about the birds sharing our cities and neighbourhoods.
Please let the media team know if you are interested in an interview.

Media Contacts  
Julie Brown | Manager, Media Relations  
brown.julie@queensu.ca  
343-363-2763

Andrew Carroll | Media Relations Officer  
andrew.carroll@queensu.ca  
613-876-8059