We are constantly surrounded by birds every day.  We see them flying in every corner we turn. But did you know that they make us emotionally happier?

According to two new studies by German researchers, they increase your satisfaction with life equivalent to receiving around $150. In 2012, The German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research took data by examining human behavior in Europe around and not around birds. The study’s lead author and professor Joel Methorst explains,” 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.” Another professor at Goethe University, Dr. Katrin Böhning-Gaese, explains the impact birds have on people; “We also examined the socio-economic data of the people that were surveyed, and, much to our surprise, we found that avian diversity is as important for their life satisfaction as is their income.” Both of these statements from professionals signify the importance of nature which includes birds. Nature around us is often associated with quietness and peacefulness.

Not only does the presence of birds make us feel happier, but hearing birds chirp also scientifically makes us feel happier and more relaxed. The California Polytechnic University studied hikers in Colorado. They interviewed hikers after their activity and after interviewing them they said they felt significantly better about their life and when they were hiking compared to having no bird sounds playing in the background. Throughout the pandemic, many people felt upset and sad about their lives since they were obligated to stay home. The Audubon Society reports that the number of sales of birds needs such as bird feeders and bird food has increased over time.

Being around birds lifts our mental health and boosts our confidence which lasts up to 8 hours. Ryan Hammoud of King’s College London expresses, “However, there is little research that has actually investigated the impact of birds on mental health in real-time and in a real environment. By using the Urban Mind app we have for the first time shown the direct link between seeing or hearing birds and a positive mood.” The 3-year study of these researchers using an app called Urban Mind has involved more than 1,200 members in the UK, the EU, and the US. This study also consisted of observing individuals with depression proving that birds made them feel more delighted.

The significance of birds is important to us and our mental health although we don’t really notice it. Having birds around us scientifically proves to make us feel more positive and content about our lives. Healing ourselves mentally, especially for people with depression won’t happen instantly. However, after these studies were conducted that clearing our atmosphere and clearing our mind with peaceful thoughts can help the process of healing. Seeing and hearing birds has helped so many people which is why it’s important to keep them in our lovely environment.