Where's the birdsong gone?

Birds use their voices for a variety of different reasons, but why does birdsong seem to disappear once summer is over?

Why Do Birds Sing?

Most of the birdsong that can be heard is actually made up of male birds using their voice to attract a mate. A strong song indicates that the male is fit and healthy! Even after they have found a mate, birds will still continue to sing. They use singing as a way to communicate with their partners, to communicate with their chicks, and to protect their homes from rival birds.

It’s All In The Brain

Research by some of the world’s top ornithologists (that’s bird scientists to you and me!) has shown that the structure of a bird’s brain actually changes throughout the year. The parts of the brain that are responsible for controlling song get bigger during the breeding season. This helps to give the birds louder and more complex songs so that they are more impressive to any potential mates.

Changes In The Autumn

Once the summer months draw to a close and autumn sets in, the breeding season for most birds comes to an end. They no longer need to attract a mate, and their chicks have already grown up and left the nest. This means that the adult birds no longer need to keep singing to defend their territory. Many birds will also begin to migrate to warmer countries for the winter!

Do Any Birds Sing All Year?

Fear not though, there is still some birdsong to be heard during the autumn! Robins are one of the few British birds that sing all year round. They are highly territorial and will often fight over space, so they must continue singing all year to protect their patch. Other species of bird, such as house sparrows, often breed in the autumn as well. So their songs can be heard at this time of year too!