Just like when we struggle after a poor night's sleep, a new study reveals birds also suffer when their sleep is disrupted, which shows in their birdsong.
Researchers at the University of Waikato found that even short-term sleep disturbances can affect how much and how well birds vocalise.
In many species, birds that sing more frequently and with a greater complexity can attract better mates and defend territories.
Therefore, a poor-quality song can seriously affect a bird's ability to reproduce and survive.
Juli Gaviraghi Mussoi is Lecturer in Animal Behaviour at the University of Waikato and she speaks to Kathryn Ryan.
A kākā in Wellington city called "Kim". Photo: © Judi Lapsley-Miller
