What happens to the dawn chorus in summer? Because birds sing to establish and defend a territory and to attract a mate, they sing mainly during spring and early summer. ... People notice this rather sudden end to the dawn chorus and often think that something has happened to the birds.

How long does the dawn chorus last?

The chorus is at its best around 30 minutes either side of sunrise, but the songs carry on well into the morning, meaning there's plenty of time to listen – perfect if you want a few extra minutes in bed!

How long in the morning can the dawn chorus go on for?

You may have noticed a cacophony of birdsong in the wee hours of the morning. Scientists call this the dawn chorus. It can start as early as 4:00 a.m. and last several hours. Birds can sing at any time of day, but during the dawn chorus their songs are often louder, livelier, and more frequent.