• Birds flee sooner when women approach compared with men
• Findings based on 2,700 interactions across five European countries

A study showed that urban birds react more cautiously to women than men, according to research involving universities in the US, Italy, and the Czech Republic

The study, covering 37 bird species and more than 2,700 recorded observations across several European countries, found that birds allow men to get closer before taking flight, while reacting more nervously to women approaching.

Experiments were carried out in parks and green spaces across multiple countries, where male and female participants of similar height and clothing walked directly toward birds to ensure consistent conditions and accurate behavioural tracking.

Results showed that birds consistently took off at a greater distance when approached by women on average, despite identical testing conditions for all participants.

Researchers stressed the reliability of the findings but said no clear explanation has yet been identified, with possible factors including scent, movement patterns or body structure.

Scientists say the results highlight a more complex ability among urban birds to distinguish between humans than previously understood, calling for further research into the underlying causes.