This article was co-authored by Roger J. Lederer, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Dr. Roger Lederer is an Ornithologist and the founder of Ornithology.com, an informative website about wild birds. Dr. Lederer has spent over 40 years teaching, studying, and writing about birds. He has traveled to over 100 countries to study birds. Dr. Lederer is an Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, and has been a Department Chair of Biological Sciences and Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. He has written more than 30 research papers and 10 books on birds and a textbook entitled “Ecology and Field Biology.” Dr. Lederer has consulted the BBC, National Geographic, National Public Radio, ABC News, the Guinness Book of World Records, and numerous other organizations and publications.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Birds are famous for chirping at sunrise, but they sleep during the night—right? Hearing midnight chirping can be a little unnerving since most of us don't expect it, but it's actually quite common (especially in the spring). In this article, we'll discuss the nighttime habits of nocturnal and diurnal birds, explain why your backyard birds are being so vocal after dark, and include a few tips for getting them to quiet down. Keep reading for our complete guide!
Things You Should Know
- Birds chirp at night to call for potential mates and defend their territory, especially in the spring (since that's breeding season).
- Migrating birds maintain communication during the night by chirping at each other.
- Baby birds chirp at night to get their parents' attention, and many young birds learn how to sing after dark.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about birds, check out our in-depth interview with Roger J. Lederer, PhD.
References
- ↑ https://academic.oup.com/condor/article/114/2/245/5152729?login=false#126293665
- ↑ https://abcbirds.org/blog20/nighttime-singers/
- ↑ https://birdwatchingnation.com/why-do-birds-chirp-at-night/
- ↑ https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/birdwatching/bird-behaviour/why-do-birds-sing-at-night/
- ↑ https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/birdwatching/bird-behaviour/why-do-birds-sing-at-night/
- ↑ https://academic.oup.com/condor/article/114/2/245/5152729?login=false#126293665
- ↑ https://abcbirds.org/blog20/nighttime-singers/
- ↑ https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/birdwatching/bird-behaviour/why-do-birds-sing-at-night/
- ↑ https://www.audubon.org/magazine/september-october-2013/listening-migrating-birds-night-may