Why Do Birds Sing?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do birds sing?

The Big Idea

A bird song is a message! Many birds sing to claim a territory and to find a mate. The tune says, this tree is taken, and I am healthy. Wrens, sparrows, and thrushes all have their own playlists.

Air In

Step one: air goes in. The bird takes a breath, and air fills its lungs. That air is the power behind the song. Singing takes energy, so a bird sings most when it matters.

Syrinx Shakes

Step two: the syrinx shakes. Air flows through a voice box called a syrinx, which is pronounced sear-inks. Two sides can even make two notes at once in some songbirds.

Song Travels

Step three: the song travels. The beak and throat shape the sound, and the tune flies out across the yard. A rival or a mate hears it, and gets the news. Dawn is the busiest time, because cool morning air carries sound and rivals are listening.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at a songbird! The beak opens and shapes the sound. The syrinx is the voice box deep in the chest. The lungs push the air through. And the song carries the message to other birds.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Not every chirp is a song. Alarm calls are short and sharp. City birds sometimes sing louder to beat traffic noise. Dawn is rush hour, because cool air carries sound, and rivals are listening. If there is a nest nearby, watch from a distance, and do not play loud bird songs near it.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, listen for two minutes at dawn, and again at noon. Which time had more songs? What might the singers be saying? Write down what you heard.

Outro

Next time you wake to birdsong, you will know it is a message. Every song in the morning is a tiny message in the air. Now you can listen like a scientist! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!