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Urban Birds Let Men Approach One Meter Closer Than Women

4/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers observed that urban birds let men approach about one meter closer than women before fleeing.
The study recorded Great Tits and 36 other bird species across five European countries.
The distance gap persisted regardless of observers’ clothing, height or approach style.
Daniel Blumstein said the team cannot yet explain the sex-based reaction.
Federico Morelli suggested birds may detect pheromones or use body-shape cues.

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Story summary

Researchers observed that urban birds let men approach about one meter closer than women before fleeing.
The study recorded Great Tits and 36 other bird species across five European countries.
The distance gap persisted regardless of observers’ clothing, height or approach style.
Daniel Blumstein said the team cannot yet explain the sex-based reaction.
Federico Morelli suggested birds may detect pheromones or use body-shape cues.