Short-term physiological and behavioural effects of high- versus low-frequency fluorescent light on captive birds

► We tested whether starlings react to low-frequency (LF) flicker lighting. ► Under LF lighting, birds increased muscle spasms and preening. ► Under LF lighting birds reduced jumping, eating, drinking & bill wiping. ► Birds experienced lower basal corticosterone levels under LF flicker light. ► Our results demonstrate that starlings are sensitive to LF light.