While most people associate birdsong with warm spring mornings in April and May, the dawn chorus actually begins much earlier.
As February draws to a close, our earliest avian musicians are already tuning up their instruments, preparing for the breeding season ahead.
Why So Early?
The gradual lengthening of days triggers hormonal changes in birds, prompting males to establish territories and attract mates well before leaves appear on the trees.
This early start gives experienced pairs an advantage - they can claim the best nesting sites and be ready to raise their young when insect populations explode in spring.
Your Morning Musicians
Northern Cardinals and Song Thrushes
Among the earliest risers in North America, Northern Cardinals often begin their clear, whistled songs while stars still glimmer in the sky. Their British counterpart, the Song Thrush, matches this early start with its own distinctive performance.
Both species are notable for their repeated phrases - Cardinals with their "cheer-cheer-cheer" or "purty-purty-purty," and Thrushes with their tripled musical phrases that often sound like human words.
- Look for Cardinals singing from the highest points of trees and shrubs, their brilliant red plumage stark against the winter sky.
- In British gardens, Song Thrushes prefer similar elevated positions, often choosing chimney pots or tall trees as their concert halls.
Northern Cardinal
Song Thrush
Chickadees and Tits
The cheerful "fee-bee" song of the Black-capped Chickadee (North America) and the "teacher-teacher" call of the Great Tit (Britain) are often among the first signs of the changing season.
These close relatives share more than just family ties - both are bold, charismatic garden visitors with complex vocal repertoires.
Scientists have recorded over 40 different variations of Great Tit songs across Europe, while Chickadees use their simple-sounding calls in surprisingly sophisticated ways to communicate everything from predator warnings to flock hierarchy.
Black-capped Chickadee
Great tit
American Robin and European Robin
Though not closely related, these two species share more than a name. American Robins greet the dawn with a rich, carolling song that can last for hours. Their European namesakes, smaller but equally vocal, maintain territories year-round but increase their singing notably in late winter.
The American Robin's "cheerily, cheer up, cheerio" carries across neighbourhoods as they begin their morning hunt for worms, while the European Robin's wistful, warbling song is often described as "melancholic" but beautiful.
American Robin
European Robin
Dawn Chorus Supporters
Supporting roles come from House Finches and Dark-eyed Juncos in North America, while Dunnocks and Blackbirds fill out the chorus in Britain. Each adds its own thread to the tapestry of the morning song.
Best Times to Listen
The earliest singers begin about 45 minutes before sunrise, and activity peaks just as the sun breaks the horizon. Clear, still mornings are best, as wind and rain tend to dampen the enthusiasm of even the most dedicated performers.
February mornings can be bitingly cold, but there's something magical about being out while the world is still dark, listening to the first tentative notes evolve into a full symphony as light creeps into the sky.
Tips for Early Morning Listening
- Check your local sunrise times - timing is everything when it comes to catching the first singers
- Dress warmer than you think necessary - standing still in pre-dawn temperatures can be surprisingly chilling
- Find a spot away from road noise - even light traffic can mask the subtler songs
- Learn one song at a time - focus on identifying a single species each morning
- Use regional bird apps or guides - songs can vary geographically
- Record what you hear - many bird apps allow you to compare recordings with their database
Close up of a Blackbird singing
Creating Bird-Friendly Spaces
To encourage these early performers in your garden:
- Maintain dense shrubs and hedges for secure nesting sites
- Keep feeding stations stocked through late winter
- Consider planting native berry-bearing shrubs
- Reduce artificial lighting that might confuse their natural rhythms
- Provide fresh water, especially important on frosty mornings
Regional Variations
North American observers might notice their chorus beginning slightly earlier in southern states, with species like Carolina Wrens and Eastern Phoebes joining in.
In Britain, the timing tends to be more uniform across the country, though coastal areas often experience earlier spring activity than inland regions.
Looking Ahead
As February progresses into March, more species join the chorus. In North America, Red-winged Blackbirds and Eastern Meadowlarks add their voices, while in Britain, Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs return from migration. Each morning brings new singers as we progress toward spring.
Whether you're listening to Cardinals in Connecticut or Song Thrushes in Surrey, these pioneer performers offer a wonderful introduction to the world of birdsong.
Each morning brings a new opportunity to learn their voices and witness the gradual return of spring.