A recent study published in People and Nature has revealed that city birds across Europe exhibit a greater fear of women than men. Researchers from five countries, including France and Germany, observed over 2,500 birds in urban parks during the spring of 2023. The study found that birds consistently allowed male observers to approach nearly one meter closer than female observers before they took flight. This behavior was consistent across nearly 40 species of birds. Despite controlling for variables such as height and clothing color, the birds showed a marked difference in their reactions to male and female observers. The researchers noted that traditional views of gender roles, which associate men with hunting and women with gathering, did not align with their findings. They speculated that subtle differences in movement or even scent might influence the birds' reactions, though these theories remain unproven. The study emphasizes the complex ways birds assess their environment and respond to human presence, highlighting the need for further research into these interactions.