The study suggests mallards are wholly unequipped to respond to vehicles at high speeds, with successful escapes occurring in less than 20% of approaches at the takeoff speed of aircraft (240 km/h).
Vehicle collisions with birds are financially costly and dangerous to humans and animals. To reduce collisions, it is necessary to understand how birds respond to approaching vehicles. We used simulated (i.e., animals exposed to video playback) and real vehicle approaches with mallards (Anas platyrynchos) to quantify flight behavior and probability of collision under different vehicle speeds and times of day (day vs. night).
In the Press
Duck! Study Shows Mallards Struggle To Avoid Cars And Planes
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Study reveals mallards' flight responses ineffective in preventing vehicle collisions
For All Readers - AI Explainer
Mallards struggle to avoid fast-moving vehicles because their flight responses are poorly adapted to detect and react to vehicles moving at high speeds. At night, they are less likely to perceive headlights as a threat and may not attempt to escape. When they do react, their response is delayed, especially at higher speeds, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
How do mallards’ flight responses differ between day and night?
During the day, mallards are more likely to perceive an approaching vehicle as a threat and attempt to escape. At night, however, they are less likely to initiate flight, likely because they perceive vehicle headlights as less threatening than a fully visible vehicle during the day. When they do attempt to flee at night, they tend to do so with more time before a potential collision compared to daytime.
What specific risks do mallards pose to aircraft, and when are these risks highest?
Mallards pose a significant risk to aircraft, especially at night and during migration seasons when they are most active. Their delayed response to fast-moving vehicles, combined with the difficulty of completely separating them from airfields, increases the likelihood of bird strikes. The riskiest time is at night when mallards are less likely to initiate avoidance behavior. Most collisions occur at altitudes below 1,000 meters, where mallards typically migrate.
What strategies can help reduce the risk of mallard collisions with vehicles?
To reduce the risk of mallard collisions, several strategies are recommended:
- Limiting aircraft flights at night during migration seasons when mallards are most active.
- Enhancing the visibility of fast-moving vehicles (such as by improving vehicle lighting) to make it easier for birds to detect and avoid them.
- Maintaining a safe separation between birds and vehicles, especially around airfields, even though it can be challenging to completely remove wildlife from these environments.
What further research is needed to address bird-vehicle collisions?
Future research should focus on improving how birds detect fast-moving vehicles, such as by enhancing the visibility of the vehicles. It’s also important to investigate whether other bird species share the same delayed flight response as mallards and to better understand the mechanisms behind this behavior. This knowledge will help develop more effective strategies to prevent collisions.
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