Scientists are drawing attention to another unusual phenomenon observed around fast-food outlets in cities: sparrows that are usually agile and light-moving show signs of excess weight. Experts emphasize that this is not just a change in appearance, but a serious signal showing how the urban environment is affecting the natural life of wild birds. In public health literature, an environment where a lot of harmful food accumulates is even called a "food swamp" - that is, an unhealthy food environment.
It is said that sparrows are adapting to "fast carbohydrates," which were previously difficult to digest and were not characteristic of wild birds. That is, birds that lived close to leftover food, bread crumbs, sweet and fatty products in the city gradually changed their diet as well. This means moving away from the natural food chain.
Most alarmingly, excess weight in a bird's body is not limited to obesity alone. It is noted that such a situation also negatively affects hormonal balance. As a result, a decrease in reproductive ability and disruption of natural development processes can be observed. This increases the likelihood that a seemingly simple environmental change will actually become a problem affecting the entire population.
Experts say that such changes can occur not only in birds but also in mammals whose metabolism is somewhat similar to that of humans. Consequently, the disruption of nutrition culture in the urban environment can have "subtle, but profound" consequences for nature as well.
Biologists are drawing attention to another important factor: in cities, animals, like people, suffer from "light pollution." An extremely bright environment at night, constant noise, artificial rhythm - all this affects the natural movement of animals and their biological clock. Despite this, many small birds still strive for the city. The reason is simple: predatory birds are relatively rare in cities, and this increases the chances of survival for small species.
In short, city sparrows are no longer just "city-adapted birds" - they are becoming a living consequence of the environment created by humans. Fast food, artificial lighting, and easy food seem to give them comfort, but behind this comfort lies a new danger to nature.
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