Dawn Chorus

Question

Hello all - have just joined the RSPB today - be prepared for some questions! But the first one is just about the dawn chorus - there seems to be more people willing to get up early and go out to a quiet place to hear this - I would love to do it too, but is the dawn chorus something that only occurs in early spring - if so, what makes it cease? I usually get up about 4am to get ready to go to work, and I hear birdsong - but is it the dawn chorus? 
 Barry

Buzzard · Accepted Answer

Hi Barry, welcome to the forums. 
 Barry D said: I would love to do it too, but is the dawn chorus something that only occurs in early spring - if so, what makes it cease? 
 The dawn chorus is most noticeable in spring, when the birds are either defending a breeding territory or trying to attract a mate. In the UK the Dawn Chorus begins in March but reaches its peak in May. 
 Researchers have found that a song during the Dawn Chorus is up to 20 times more effective than singing at midday. Birds mainly sing at dawn because the air is usually still which means the sound transmission is better. Additionally birds can do little else but sing at dawn. The light is sometimes poor and insects are dormant so searching for food is more difficult. Generally only male passerines &ndash; or songbirds - sing and in order to attract a mate he has to obtain and defend a territory. 
 Also in a given location, it is common for different species to do their dawn singing at different times. The birds that you are likely to hear are: 
 Blackbird, Wren, Robin, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Songthrush, Mistlethrush, Tawny Owl, Dunnock again relating to where you live they will be numerous others joining in. 
 At other times of the year there is not what I would personally call a dawn chorus, as a lot of the songsters migrate to warmer climates and the breeding season has finished so there is no need to defend territories or attract a mate. 
 In relation to when a Dawn Chorus starts, is depending on where you live. Some birds can sing throughout the day and night, Robins and Blackbirds in particular will sing all night long if there is a lot of artificial lights. 
 As the season moves on, the Dawn Chorus can start as early as 02.30 - 03.00am. 
 Unforunately you have missed the international Dawn Chorus Day which was on the 2nd of May, make a note for next year! I'm sure there will be guided walks in your local area. 
 Hope this helps. 
 Regards Buzzard

Woodsi · Answer

Hi Barry, 
 Woodpecker is right- I think most people call the "dawn chorus" the birds singing in the morning, as dawn breaks! You're lucky to hear it every day, it's very beautiful, especially when you learn more about the birds and can pick each one out from the melee! :) I'm still learning that myself, and I love trying to work out which is which (especially helps if you happen to see one sing!) 
 It may be slightly better in spring due to courtship songs as well as the normal song- this would cease once the birds have found their partners, but due to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th broods does not have a definitive finish! 
 Hope this helps :)