FYI: The Dawn Chorus
| May 11, 2011
Why do birds sing at dawn? There are two main reasons: one is to defend the birds’ territory and the second is to find a mate. Usually male songbirds entertain us in the morning and they’re doing a very important job. Once they’ve chosen their territory they sing to warn other males to stay away and they need to sing to attract a mate. Male birds who have the energy to sing after a night without food show they’re strong enough to provide food for two and no female bird need worry about going hungry.
Why at dawn? It seems there are a few reasons. First at that time the air is very clear and still so the birds’ song can be heard clearly. In fact scientists found that birdsong at dawn is twenty times more effective than at midday! The other reason for singing at dawn is simply that there’s not much else to do!
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