When we're in a loud environment, we will change the way we talk so others can hear. Turns out, so do certain songbirds.

A recent study carried out by the University of Manitoba has found that some Canadian songbirds, specifically the Savannah sparrow, will change its song depending on the noise pollution in its location.

The study, led by the Universtiy's Natual Resources Institute, listened to these songs in quiet areas, such as natural grasslands, and in noisy areas, typically around oil or gas infrastructure.

"We found that the Savannah sparrows changed their songs when they were close to noisy infrastructure," said Nicola Koper, professor of conservation biology at the university. "But they changed their songs in different ways depending on which oil and gas infrastructure they were close too."

Koper says that some species of songbirds already have over 100 different variations of their songs, while others change it in noisy environments. The interesting part of the study, she said, was that the sparrows were changing different parts in different ways, depending on what was more important.

"They have very complex adjustments to their songs," Koper noted. "In some cases, they sing at a higher frequency . . . In other situations, they will sing at a lower frequency than they normally would."

Koper said the study found that Savannah sparrows, native to grasslands which include Manitoba, appear to do well around humans, and Koper believes that is a good thing.

"Species are able to adapt to human-altered environment," she said, recognizing that the world has really been affected by humans. It's good to know that animals are able to adapt.

That adaptability was much more complex than the team expected when they started the study and are happy with the results. They believe this will help make future decisions in regards to wildlife. That includes knowing which gas and oil infrastructure have a lesser impact on wildlife.

"I want to find ways where we can have a strong, economic system and also a healthy wildlife," Koper said.

The team is looking to start up another study shortly to see if the changes in their song actually work.

"What we've learnt so far tells us that birds, specifically Savannah sparrows, can adapt to human-altered landscapes," Koper said. "But it doesn't tell us whether or not their strategy is effective."

Grassland songbirds are declining faster than songbirds in any other ecosystem in North America, the university noted.