Nature conservation: Birdsong: Who's chirping there?

The vibrant chorus of birdsong that fills German mornings will soon begin to fade. Bird expert Bernd Petri from Nabu Hessen in Wetzlar explains that the loud singing will noticeably decrease starting in mid-July. Currently, species like the blackbird, blue tit, and great tit are particularly active, many preparing for their second brood of the year.

“

From mid-July, the singing will decrease significantly.

The blackbird is an early riser, starting its melodic calls about 45 minutes before sunrise. The blue tit follows about 10 minutes later, characterized by its diverse song that often begins with a high-pitched "tii-tii." Shortly after, the great tit joins in, preferring what the Nabu describes as more monotonous verses, with "zi-zi-bäh" being a common motif.

“

The blackbird belongs to the early risers, starting its melodic trills and chirps about 45 minutes before sunrise.

While these birds are active participants in the morning symphony, the garden warbler is the earliest of all, heard from April to June. It begins its chirping with a melancholic "hüit," followed by "tick-tick-tick," as much as 80 minutes before dawn. In contrast, finches are late risers, only becoming ready to sing about ten minutes before sunrise, continuing their songs until July.

“

Its trademark is a very varied song, which usually begins with a high 'tii-tii'.

The chaffinch sings loudly and cheerfully, while the greenfinch, with its numerous whistles and trills like "djüpp-djüpp-djüpp-djüüürrrrrrrr-tju-tju-tju," can sometimes sound like a canary. Petri points out that bird songs are not static; they evolve each season, with some species, like the great tit, developing "summer hits." Generally, only the male birds sing, using their songs as a primary method to attract females and to establish and defend their territories.

“

The Nabu prefers rather monotonous verses, with a 'zi-zi-bäh' being one of its popular motifs.