Cloud cover but not artificial light pollution affects the morning activity of Wood Pigeons

Abstract

Light pollution, especially artificial light at night, has been repeatedly found to affect bird behaviour, resulting in an earlier start of morning activities. However, as thus far only a limited number of species has been investigated, the generality of the effects of light pollution on animal behaviour is difficult to assess. As such effects may be less pronounced in species starting their activity at rather high light intensities,we here investigated the effects of artificial light on themorning activity of a late-active non-passerine, theWood Pigeon (Columba palumbus), within the breeding period in north-eastern Germany. Additionally, we scored prevailingweather conditions,which typically also affectmorning activity. Despite pronounced differences in the distance to the nearest artificial light source and inmean radiance between urban and ruralWood Pigeons, the onset ofmorning activity did not differ between the two habitat types. Instead, it was affected by prevailing weather conditions (temperature, cloud cover).We conclude that responses to light pollution are likely species-specific, and that species starting their activity late in the day may be in general less affected. For such species prevailingweather conditions are likelymore important for daily activity patterns than light pollution.