Solar eclipse sparks dawn-like behaviour in birds

Chirping of birds early in the morning is nothing but natural - owing to several reasons like attracting a mate, defending a territory and a way of communication for the winged species.

- AGENCIES

However, a study has revealed how several birds in North America produced their "dawn chorus", as if greeting a new day during a total solar eclipse during daytime April 8, 2024.

While throngs of people gazed skyward to see the celestial show, scientists were studying the effects of the eclipse on birds, whose daily and seasonal rhythms are strongly guided by sunlight. They documented changes in vocal behaviour in most - not all - species studied, with birds that naturally make a burst of songs and calls around daybreak the most affected.