How birds adapted to city life

Interview with Jacek Karczewski about birds that have adapted to urban reality. The naturalist talks about the most common species in large agglomerations – such as crow, magpie, pigeon or mallard duck, their habits and extraordinary intelligence.

Jacek Karczewski notes that city birds have learned to use food leftovers, left behind by humans – products that are readily available, yet poor in nutrients. Interestingly, in the city, even birds that are “vegetarians” will occasionally eat a piece of burger. However, they choose food intended for chicks with great care, searching the city greenery for their favourite delicacies.

Some birds came to live in the city because we deprived them of their natural habitat. In order to cope with urban conditions, they must learn quickly – above all, master the ability to navigate efficiently. Living in the city is undoubtedly not the easiest. Birds are very sensitive to air pollution and have extremely sensitive hearing. However, their most serious threat is the traffic.

Jacek Karczewski – naturalist, activist, and nature advocate. In 2019, he published his first book, “Jej Wysokość Gęś. Opowieści o ptakach”, followed by “Noc Sów. Opowieści z lasu”, released in March 2020. He frequently appears in programmes and radio broadcasts devoted to nature; author of numerous publications and articles as well as most of the releases of Ptaki Polskie [Polish Birds] – an association with which he has been working from the very beginning as its co-founder, originator and copywriter.