Does visiting an urban park in a large city influence people’s perception of common birds?

Abstract Many urban parks in large cities are created to promote human recreation and well-being by offering nature-like environments. Over time, urban-tolerant birds establish populations in these spaces. Although strengthening citizens’ connections with urban birds may enhance park-related well-being, it remains a central question whether visit frequency among the general public (i.e., non-birders) increases their perception and interest of local common species. Using an urban park in a large Brazilian city as a case study (Barigui Park, Curitiba), we selected seven very common local species to create a picture-based interview, which we administered to 242 visitors. We asked whether they had seen or heard these species and whether they could correctly name them. Most respondents perceived between two and four species (3.4 ± 1.5 species). Rare visitors (fewer than 12 visits per year, with no regular frequency) perceived significantly fewer species than frequent visitors, however, visiting more than monthly did not result in significant differences. Importantly, visit frequency showed no association with the ability to correctly name species, suggesting that park visitation may not be the only factor to foster interest in local common birds. The lack of consistent perception also suggests a gap in public awareness that may not be overcome by passive exposure alone. Therefore, we advocate that park management should incorporate educational actions—such as providing informational materials about birds and offering periodic birdwatching tours—to prevent citizens’ disconnection from this component of urban biodiversity.