The arrival of spring sees the peak of one of the UK’s great nature experiences – the dawn chorus. But why does it happen, what birds take part and what are our top tips for getting front-row seats at nature’s festival of sound?
The dawn chorus is the symphony of song performed by birds looking for love, and to defend their patch. In spring, as the days lengthen, wildlife starts to think about the need to breed. For many male birds, this means belting out the well-worn but wonderful classics to try and attract females. Think of it as Britain’s Got Talent without the jugglers. The males want to show off to females, but also to let other males know they’re top bird and that others should back off the mic.
Some species sing throughout the day, but it’s at dawn, as the morning light begins to break, that many different birds join together to perform.
In short, mid-March to early May. But some birds are keener to get the party started than others. If you get a bright sunny morning in late January, you might hear the Song Thrush or Great Tit warming up for the big show, joining Robins who sing all year. Like many species, they need time to get into their rhythm, with their song building in quality and intensity as spring fully kicks in.
By mid-March lots of our resident birds are in full song and in mid-April, the riot of sound is in full effect as millions of migrant birds pour back in from Africa to their summer homes. In early May the chorus is at its peak, but it can be heard in some form into early summer.
Song Thrushes, Blackbirds and Robins are among the first to rise, starting things off when the air is still, and the lights are low. Popular songsters like Wrens and warblers, such as Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Willow Warblers then gradually join in. As do Wood Pigeons. Anyone living near them will know they like to join in, for hours on end, often forming a repetitive double act with Collared Doves.
What species you hear will of course depend on where you are. if you’re near water, wading birds will add their rich and varied songs and calls to the chorus. If you’re near heathland, you might hear the joyful fluid song of Linnets or the famous call of the Cuckoo.
Well, the dim light isn’t a good time to go looking for food like seeds and insects. And singing gives away your location, so it’s best to do it when the light is lower. But one of the main reasons is it’s quieter then and the air is usually still. Birdsong has been shown to carry 20 times further at dawn, making all that effort to attract a mate much more worthwhile.
For the males, it’s also a reminder to their rivals that they survived the night and they’re in fine fettle, with the strength, skills and stamina to sing. Many summer visitors arrive at night, increasing the competition. So the birds already here sing their hearts out first thing to let the new arrivals know who’s boss.
Whether it’s Skylarks, Blackcaps, Nightingales or Robins, the UK’s birdsong spectacular reaches its crescendo in early May just in time for National Dawn Chorus Day. This is held on the first Sunday in May each year, which falls on 5 May in 2024.
Whether you're sat in your PJs with a cuppa next to an open window or in the middle of an ancient wood with your flask and big coat, it’s a great opportunity to sit back and listen to one of our truly great nature experiences and then share your experience with others. Don’t forget to tag us on your favourite social media!
RSPB Events
RSPB reserves are some of the best places in the UK to hear the dawn chorus in full effect. Why not join us at one of our events?
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