Impacts of Human-Bird Interactions on Human Well-Being and Behavior

Birds are among the most common wildlife species humans interact with in daily life. Previous research suggests that bird-related activities are related to human health and behavior in various ways; yet, comprehensive evidence is still needed on how human-bird interactions can shape people’s psychological, cognitive, and physical health as well as conservation motivations. Further research also needs to account for moderating factors such as cultural contexts, geographical locations, socio-demographic characteristics, and methodological choices in examining the beneficial effects of human-bird interactions.

To address this gap, this Research Topic aims to advance knowledge of the impacts of human-bird interactions, specifically focusing on:

1. Human health broadly defined; and

2. Behavioral motivations for conservation and sustainability.

We invite research manuscripts that employ multi-disciplinary as well as social science approaches in exploring themes and concepts, including (but not limited to):

- Human values, beliefs, emotions, attitudes, norms, and knowledge related to bird conservation

- Bird and wildlife education outcomes for youth

- Therapeutic effects and health benefits of interacting with birds or listening to birdsongs

- Health and behavioral benefits of community science involving bird monitoring and conservation

- Cultural differences in human-bird interactions and their implications for human health and wildlife conservation

- Impacts of human-bird conflicts (e.g., nuisance, bird strikes, etc.) on human well-being, attitudes, or behavior

Keywords: Human-bird relationship, Birding Well-being, Mental and physical health, Conservation motives, Conservation behavior

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.