Light pollution tricking urban birds into staying awake longer each day

Researchers were ‘shocked’ to discover some species settling down for sleep 50 minutes later than rural counterparts

Species with large eyes relative to their body size had the strongest response to artificial light. The American robin, Northern mocking bird and European goldfinch (pictured) all extended their day by more than average, scientists found.

Urban birds stay up significantly later than their rural counterparts, according to research that highlights the impact of light pollution on wildlife.

The study, based on recordings submitted by bird enthusiasts to a popular species identification and mapping website, showed that light pollution caused birds to sing for an average of 50 minutes longer each day, with some species waking up an hour earlier and settling down for the evening an hour later.