Birdwatching may support the brain's attention and perception areas.

A 2026 Journal of Neuroscience study compared 29 expert birdwatchers and 29 novices and found structural differences in brain regions tied to attention and perception; the paper says these changes are consistent with neuroplasticity, but it does not prove birdwatching prevents cognitive decline.

Researchers published a 2026 study in the Journal of Neuroscience that examined brain differences between experienced birdwatchers and newcomers. The team in Canada scanned the brains of 29 expert birdwatchers and 29 novices, aged 24 to 75, to compare structure and function. Scans of the experts showed more compact brain areas linked with attention and perception, which helped experts identify birds more effectively. The authors describe these findings as an example of neuroplasticity, where sustained training in a task alters brain structure and activity. Key findings: - The study compared 29 expert birdwatchers with 29 novices, with participant ages ranging from 24 to 75. - Experts' brain scans showed more compact regions associated with attention and perception than those of novices. - Those structural differences were linked with better ability to identify birds in the experts. - The researchers framed the results as consistent with neuroplasticity, noting that domain-specific training can modify brain structure and activity. - The study does not prove that birdwatching prevents cognitive decline, a limitation noted in reporting and by outside experts. Summary: The study suggests an association between long-term birdwatching and structural brain differences in areas tied to attention and perception, consistent with neuroplasticity. Undetermined at this time.