Researchers Uncover Long-Neglected Female Birdsong and Its Evolutionary Significance

For centuries, bird song research has focused predominantly on males, based on the assumption that males are the primary singers, while females sing less or not at all. This bias traces back to Darwinian times and was reinforced by early studies centered on courtship behaviors in northern hemisphere species, where female song is indeed less common. However, recent research has begun to explore female birdsong, revealing its complexity and important evolutionary roles.

Dr. Yael Lenard from Ben-Gurion University, who studies noise pollution effects on animals, explains that female song is more prevalent in tropical and southern hemisphere species, contrasting with northern species where male territorial songs dominate. Historically, female songs were considered rare and less complex, often seen as responses to male songs rather than independent vocalizations. This male-centric focus was partly due to the male-dominated scientific community and birdwatching hobbyists, which influenced research priorities.

In the past two decades, as more women entered ornithology and bioacoustics, female birdsong gained scientific attention. Studies, including those by researcher Naomi Langmore, have mapped female song across species, showing it is a genetically rooted trait present in early bird ancestors but lost in some lineages. Dr. Lenard notes that female song research has moved into mainstream science, no longer limited to female scientists.

PhD candidate Iya Mark’s work on bulbuls in Israel found that both males and females produce complex, hierarchical vocal repertoires, with regional dialects between populations in Jerusalem and Beersheba. Despite these findings, bird sound databases still overwhelmingly represent male songs, prompting calls for more female-focused data collection. Dr. Yoav Perlman of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel highlights increased awareness and efforts to document female birdsong and imagery.

Professor Roy Dor from the Open University adds that males are easier to study because they sing more frequently and exhibit more territorial behaviors, while females tend to stay near nests, making them less visible. Dr. Lenard concludes that the scientific community is now more prepared to address these biases, with greater gender diversity in research fostering a broader understanding of avian communication.