Researchers have found that when simulated chipmunk calls are played, the birds nest up to 20 metres further away.
The study is the first to show that birds heed the chatter of non-avian species.
Previous studies have highlighted how various species of birds eavesdrop on each other to identify troublemakers, find good nest sites and avoid potential threats.
The new evidence that some species of bird also listen in on mammals is published in the British Ecological Society's Journal of Animal Ecology.
Eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) belong to the same family as squirrels and are found throughout eastern North America.
Scientists have recorded chipmunks communicating in high-pitched "chips" and lower-pitched "chucks" as well as quieter "trills" of twittery notes. Read the full report here.
Source: by Ella Davies, Reporter, BBC Nature News, U.K.
