Why do Song Birds sing? And why do they do it so early in the Morning?

Song birds constantly lift our spirits with their quaint, erratic and most of all beautiful trilling music that is commonly heard very early in the morning at dawn. But why do Song Birds sing at all, and why do many choose such early periods in the day? 

One of the main reasons Birds sing is because it acts as a signal telling rival Birds to keep away from their territory (the louder it is, the better as this reveals to the rival the health and strength of the Bird making the sound). This is because other Birds encroaching on their breeding areas and nest site could have dire consequences for the Birds chances of procreation.

Males (and occasionally females in certain species) will usually sing as a way of attracting females for mating, the song continually evolving over the generations (through experience, not inheritance) to be more intricate and complex as a way of out-competing other males for the females attention. Females are evolutionarily wired to be attracted to the loudness and intricacy of Bird song as it shows them that the male creating it must be physically healthy with good genes which are ideal traits for possible offspring.

So Bird song is a vital skill that enables Birds to avoid competition and to attract mates, but why do it so early?
Well there are a number of theories that try and explain this behaviour, but there are two that seem to have the most backing by scientists in this field.

Dawn Chorus Theory 1: Early in the morning, there isn't enough light to forage for food adequately, so it is a great period to spend singing.

Dawn Chorus Theory 2: At this period there is less noise from most other animals which are asleep at the time, meaning Bird song is more likely to be heard by other Birds making it an appropriate time for this task.

-Thomas Glen

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