Book 4, Question 8
Why Is a Forest Quiet, Then Loud?
A forest is full of living sound-makers that clock in at different hours. Midday can feel hushed, while dawn and dusk can roar with birds, frogs, and insects. So the forest is quiet, and then loud.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 4
More fun facts
- In spring, birdsong often begins with just a few singers before dawn, then more and more birds join in until the whole area is singing.
- The first singers start about an hour before sunrise.
- Robins, blackbirds and thrushes are often among the first voices you hear.
- Most of the morning singing is done by male birds defending their territory.
- Singing loudly takes lots of energy after a cold night, so the loudest songs come from the strongest, best fed males.
- A loud song tells females a male is healthy and warns rival males to stay away.
- The morning chorus can be heard from March to July, with the peak in May and June.
Sources: woodlandtrust.org.uk
Questions kids ask
When do birds start singing in the morning?
The first singers start about an hour before sunrise, and others soon join in.