Waterfall low-frequency vibrations and infrasound: implications for avian migration and hazard detection

Many researchers have suggested that birds may use natural infrasound sources for navigation and hazard avoidance. However, there is a need to define the sound levels and frequencies to characterize potential infrasound sources. This paper summarizes new measurements from Niagara Falls which define a stable, powerful infrasound source that could be detected by birds on a regional scale of over 400 km. Measurements made in the vicinity of Niagara Falls show that exceptional infrasonic pressure levels can occur in the regions of large waterfalls (> 100 Pa at a range of about 500 m). This paper reviews investigator assessments of avian use of infrasound. A review of the results of Cornell researchers on pigeon hearing provides a basis for estimating avian detection ranges of waterfalls. It is possible that migrating birds use sounds from waterfalls as beacons- a component of their “navigation toolbox” as well as infrasound for hazard avoidance.