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Study Reveals Birds Are Linked to Happiness Levels

3 min read

Inspiring People
Study Reveals Birds Are Linked to Happiness Levels
Source: Unsplash/Simon Godfrey

New research shows more bird species in their vicinity increases life satisfaction of Europeans as much as a higher income.

More biological diversity evokes more happiness, says science

A new study has revealed that increased bird biodiversity brings increased joy to people, according to recent findings from the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research. In fact, scientists concluded that conservation is just as important for human well-being as financial security.

All across Europe, the individual enjoyment of life correlates with the number of surrounding bird species. An additional 10% of bird species therefore increases the Europeans' life satisfaction as much as a comparable increase in income. Nature conservation thus constitutes an investment in human well-being.
High biodiversity in our vicinity is as important for life satisfaction as our income, say scientists. All across Europe, the individual enjoyment of life correlates with the number of surrounding bird species. An additional 10% of bird species therefore increases the Europeans’ life satisfaction as much as a comparable increase in income. Nature conservation thus constitutes an investment in human well-being. Source: Unsplash/Boris Smokrovic
Researchers used the data from the
The study, published in Ecological Economics, focused on European residents, and determined that happiness correlated with a specific number of bird species. Researchers used the data from the “2012 European quality of Life Survey” to study the connection between the species diversity in their surroundings and the life satisfaction in more than 26,000 adults from 26 European countries. Species diversity was measured based on the diversity of avian species, as documented in the European breeding bird atlas. Source: Unsplash/Raza Ali
says lead author Joel Methorst, a doctoral researcher at the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Center, the iDiv and the Goethe University in Frankfurt. “According to our findings, the happiest Europeans are those who can experience numerous different bird species in their daily life, or who live in near-natural surroundings that are home to many species,
“Europeans are particularly satisfied with their lives if their immediate surroundings host a high species diversity,” says lead author Joel Methorst, a doctoral researcher at the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Center, the iDiv and the Goethe University in Frankfurt. “According to our findings, the happiest Europeans are those who can experience numerous different bird species in their daily life, or who live in near-natural surroundings that are home to many species,” Source: Unsplash/Vittorio Zamboni
The authors calculated that being around fourteen additional bird species in the vicinity raise the level of life satisfaction at least as much as an extra €124 per month in the household account, based on an average income of €1,237 per month in Europe.
14 additional birds in the area is equal to $150 extra per month. The authors calculated that being around fourteen additional bird species in the vicinity raise the level of life satisfaction at least as much as an extra €124 per month in the household account, based on an average income of €1,237 per month in Europe. Source: Unsplash/dfkt
For the study, researchers used data from the 2012
More than 26,000 adults from 26 European countries were surveyed. For the study, researchers used data from the 2012 “European Quality of Life Survey” to explore the connection between species diversity around homes, towns and cites, and how it relates to satisfaction. Source: Unsplash/Vincent van Zalinge
According to the study authors, birds are some of the best indicators of biological diversity in any given area because they are usually seen or heard in their environments, especially in urban areas. However, more bird species were found near natural green spaces, forested areas and bodies of water.
Birds are well-suited as indicators of biological diversity. According to the study authors, birds are some of the best indicators of biological diversity in any given area because they are usually seen or heard in their environments, especially in urban areas. However, more bird species were found near natural green spaces, forested areas and bodies of water. Source: Unsplash/Felipe Lopez
Conservation as an investment for all. “Nature conservation therefore not only ensures our material basis of life, but it also constitutes an investment in the well-being of us all,” says Methorst, lead author of the paper. Source: Unsplash/Simon Godfrey
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BIRD WATCHING 101: A GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS

Looking for a fun hobby you can do anywhere, anytime, without spending much cash up front? You can’t go wrong with birding, commonly known as bird watching. You can do it purely for fun or keep a life list—a birding term for the running list that bird enthusiasts keep of all the different birds they see. Whatever your goal, you’ll be rewarded by the sights and sounds of beautiful and interesting feathered creatures. Here, from two longtime pros, is how to get started on your avian adventure.