Noise from traffic stunts growth of baby birds, study finds

The study found zebra finch chicks exposed to noise pollution in the egg were more than 10% smaller, and effects continued into their adult lives. Photograph: Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH/Alamy

Noise pollution from traffic stunts growth in baby birds, even while inside the egg, research has found.

Unhatched birds and hatchlings that are exposed to noise from city traffic experience long-term negative effects on their health, growth and reproduction, the study found.