# The dawn chorus – why birds sing at the break of day

An episode of [Instant Genius](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1296673906), 19 Apr 2026, 28 min.

Audio: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/NSR4989280639.mp3?updated=1776431242

In springtime, as the Sun rises, the early morning air is filled with the glorious sound of birdsong. This is known as the dawn chorus. But why exactly are birds so vocal at this time of the day, what purpose does it serve, and how did their songs get so complex? In this episode, we’re joined by the RSPB’s Adrian Thomas, a bird expert and author of the RSPB Guide to Birdsong. He explains how this breathtaking morning symphony is motivated by mating rituals and territorial displays, tells us about the songs of some of his favourite avian vocal superstars, and gives us some top tips on how we can best experience this stunning natural phenomenon for ourselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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