Birdsong is one of the fascinating phenomena that God has created in nature, and in one way or another, it has attracted the attention of the human ear due to the sweetness of the tune that comes from the birds.
To begin with, vocalization, which is a sound produced by birds, is essential because birds use it for communication. Singling out the birds, it is possible to state that their songs can hence signal territorial claims, the presence of a threat, or even the availability of food by other birds.
Second, birds also use their songs in mating; at this stage, songs can be said to be a very important aspect. Birds sing, particularly males, in order to attract the attention of females. Usually, the health and genetic fitness of the animal are exhibited through the music that is sung.
The quality, complexity, and duration of materials sung by a male are some of the critical factors that determine the female’s choice.
Thirdly, birdsong can be considered the type of learning and adaptation of organisms. Vocal learning is the process by which birds are taught the songs they sing by other birds in their community, including their parents.
This learning period is somewhat significant since the young birds need to learn the appropriate songs and calls of their species. An example of such a species is the zebra finch, which has a critical period of development when the bird is able to learn its song and any other songs for that matter as well, after which it is unable to learn any songs.
Last, but not least, birdsong can be used as an environmental signal. Shifts in the higher-pitched sounds of the birds, which encompass birding or trilling, can be seen as changes in the physiologic habitat, including changes in the climate or degradation of birds’ habitats.
Research also shows that birds can change their melodies and timing for extemporaneous vocalizing so that it can be distinguished from the loud noise from people.
ASH CK