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The increase in daylight hours in the spring triggers hormonal changes in birds. Increased exposure to light reduces the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that regulates, among other things, reproduction. As a result, testosterone levels rise, stimulating the growth of reproductive organs and prompting males to sing more to attract females and defend their territories.
Singing is essential for males seeking to attract a mate. Females often prefer males with complex and vigorous songs, perceived as a sign of good health and reproductive capability. Additionally, birds use their song to delineate and defend their territory against intruders, thereby strengthening their position for the breeding season.
Spring brings an abundance of food, particularly energy-rich insects. This increased availability allows birds to devote more energy and time to singing. In winter, the scarcity of food and harsh climate conditions limit their ability to sing frequently.
The early hours of the day offer optimal conditions for songs to travel farther. In the morning, the air is calmer and cooler, which aids in sound transmission. Moreover, there is less ambient noise at this hour, making the songs more clearly heard over greater distances, encouraging birds to engage in intense competition.
Although some recent research indicates that sound propagation can be similar at other times of the day, morning remains ideal for the clarity and consistency of songs. This dual effect allows us to perceive songs from farther away, increasing the amount of singing reaching our ears.
Thus, birds sing more in the spring due to hormonal changes triggered by longer days, the need to attract mates and defend territories, and the increased availability of food. These combined factors make spring the ideal season for the vocal explosion we observe each year.