Dataset from a playback experiment with free-living vermilion flycatchers where we show that they stop singing when traffic noise levels suddently increase (as would occur when a car passes by). This behavior may be a strategy to increase the probability of detection by singing in periods when noise levels are lower. Males' responses toward the noise playbacks were also related with the level of artificial light at night (ALAN) in males' territories, where males living in brighter territories shortened their song bout length to a lesser extent during noise exposure than those males living in territories with lower levels of ALAN, suggesting ALAN may decrease the extent at which traffic noise affects male singing behavior.