Bird watching is not merely for fun; it has health benefits too - Read story

New Delhi: A new study claim that people living in neighborhoods with more birds, shrubs and trees are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and stress, thereby benefiting mental health.

The study, involving hundreds of people, found benefits for mental health of being able to see birds, shrubs and trees around the homes, whether people lived in urban or more leafy suburban neighbourhoods.

Mental health of over 270 people from different ages, incomes and ethnicities was surveyed.

It was found that those who spent less time outdoors than usual in the previous week were more likely to experience anxiety and depression.

In the study by researchers, including those from University of Exeter in the UK, common types of birds including blackbirds, robins, blue tits and crows were seen.

The study was unable to find a relationship between the species of birds and mental health, but found a link between the number of birds they could see from their windows, in the garden or in their neighbourhood.

Previous studies had found that the ability of most people to identify different species is low, suggesting that for most people it is interacting with birds, not just specific birds, that provides well-being.

(With PTI inputs)