Why do birds choose to sing at dawn?

Birds sing a lot at dawn for various reasons related to communication, the environment, and their biology. This phenomenon is often called “dawn chorus” (In English dawn chorus). What matters are territorial defense, optimal acoustic conditions, and the goal of attracting a partner.

But for these reasons a recent research South Korean adds another that becomes fundamental: during the night (when spontaneous singing is hindered by the darkness) birds develop a stimulus to sing which they then release at dawn. 

At that point, according to the researchers, singing at first light of day serves the birds to keep the system that produces singing “trained”, a bit like:

• un musician who does exercises every day
• un athlete who trains to stay in shape

And let's see the other causes of this natural and daily choice of birds.

They defend the territory

Many male birds sing at dawn to signal to others that that territory is already occupiedThe song functions as a sort of “sound sign” that says: this area is mine. 

The acoustic conditions are better

At dawn the environment is quieter because:

• there is less wind
• there is less human noise
• the most stable air

This makes the sound spread further and more clearly.

Singing as courtship

During the breeding season, singing also serves to attract a femaleSinging early and vigorously can indicate that the male is strong and healthy. After resting, the birds have more energy and can produce long, complex songs. 

The song before looking for food

When there is little light it is more difficult to search for food. Many birds therefore they use that time to sing, waiting for the light to increase to start feeding. 

Read also: 

• Birds become sleepless and lose their bearings due to artificial lights.
• Birdwatching: how to do it and the 10 most beautiful places in Italy
• How to observe bird migration