HOW STRESSED ARE BIRDS IN AN URBANIZING LANDSCAPE? RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE PHYSIOLOGY OF BIRDS AND THREE LEVELS OF HABITAT ALTERATION.

The article presents a study which investigates the stress of birds in an urbanizing landscape. The study has measure the physiological traits of Canyon Towhee and Inca Dove birds, such as the levels of immunoglobulin and corticosterone, that occupy three habitat alteration levels. Results show that 30% of the capture towhees in urban areas are suffering chronic stress. Study also reveals the appropriate physiological response of Inca Dove in urban areas.