Study uses microphones to eavesdrop on the secret lives of birds

Scientists have discovered that they can eavesdrop on the secret lives of birds using networks of inexpensive microphones, revealing complex behaviors across vast wilderness areas, according to research published in the journal Ecology. Previously, microphone technology that records sounds from wildlife had mostly been used to determine if a species was present in an area.

What happened

Scientists have discovered that they can eavesdrop on the secret lives of birds using networks of inexpensive microphones, revealing complex behaviors across vast wilderness areas, according to research published in the journal Ecology. Previously, microphone technology that records sounds from wildlife had mostly been used to determine if a species was present in an area. The development sits squarely in the the news cycle cycle that our editors have been tracking this week, touching on discovered, research, scientists.

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This story sits at the intersection of several themes our editors have been tracking. We'll be watching to see how it ripples through the rest of the week.

The bigger picture

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What to watch

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Originally reported by Phys. Read the original report for full context.