[Impacts of artificial light at night on birds: A review of behavioral, physiological, and population-level effects].

May 28, 2026Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology

Effects of artificial light at night on bird behavior, body functions, and populations

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Abstract

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is significantly altering nocturnal environments, threatening the survival of wild birds.

ALAN affects birds across three levels: behavior, physiology, and population dynamics.
A systematic review of 80 articles revealed significant research gaps in geographical distribution and species identities.
The study identified pathways and mechanisms through which ALAN impacts bird species.
Recommendations include assessing sensitivity of endemic bird species to ALAN and conducting ecological risk assessments.
Developing avian-friendly lighting technologies and incorporating ALAN management into protected-area frameworks may enhance conservation efforts.

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Artificial light at night (ALAN), as a novel and increasingly widespread ecological stressor with global reach, is substantially altering nocturnal environments and posing multiple threats to the survival and fitness of wild birds. We summarized and proposed a three-level cascade effect framework of ALAN on the "behavior physiology population" of birds by systematically searching and screening 80 articles from the core databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science (WoS) from 2004 to 2024 with bibliometric methods. We systematically analyzed the research hotspots and development trends in this field, and summarized the pathways and linkage mechanisms of ALAN on birds. We further analyzed the significant imbalanced characteristics of current research in geographical distribution and species identities. In the context of ecological civilization construction in China, we proposed four research- and management-oriented recommendations: 1) strengthening studies on the sensitivity of endemic bird species in China to ALAN; 2) conducting ecological risk assessments based on large-scalefield monitoring; 3) developing ecologically friendly ("avian-friendly") lighting technologies adapted to native birds and local biodiversity; and 4) incorporating the prevention and control of ALAN pollution into protected-area management frameworks. This framework would provide a basis for clarifying the ecological effects of ALAN and formulating targeted conservation strategies, thereby promoting the coordination of urban development and biodiversity conservation. in situ

[Impacts of artificial light at night on birds: A review of behavioral, physiological, and population-level effects].

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