Traffic noise triggers road rage among male Galápagos birds

Researchers say noise pollution is even affecting unique species in remote places. Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer

If the rumble of trucks, honk of car horns and bustle of the roads leaves you irritable, you are not alone – researchers say the sound of traffic can leave birds in a rage, too.

Researchers have found male Galápagos yellow warblers that live near busy roads on the islands behave more aggressively when they hear songs from another male if they occur in the presence of traffic sounds.