Why do roosters crow at dawn?

The morning crow of a rooster has become the first alarm clock for humans. But is the purpose of these songs really to wake their owners? Or do roosters do this solely for their own interests?

Of course, it is not only roosters that sing at dawn, but also many other birds. Ornithologists have not yet reached a consensus on this matter, so we can only consider hypotheses.

1. Birds sing at dawn due to hormones

Birds, like other animals, including humans, have a certain circadian rhythm that regulates processes in the body throughout the day. For example, in the evening, the level of the hormone melatonin increases in mammals, causing a feeling of drowsiness. In the morning, however, the level of melatonin decreases, while the level of the stress hormone cortisol increases, allowing the body to wake up.

One of the scientists' hypotheses is that the sharp drop in melatonin prompts birds to sing in the morning. However, this assumption has a drawback — birds do not need to crow in the morning, as it does not bring them any benefit. In the animal world, nothing happens for no reason. Therefore, the decrease in melatonin levels and morning songs are more likely coincidental than causally related.

2. Morning songs are necessary for finding a mate

This hypothesis is also related to hormone production, but this time — androgens. Androgens are a group of sex hormones that help birds communicate with each other and find a mate for breeding. Some researchers believe that morning singing promotes the production of androgens in males, and females, in turn, also respond to these trills.

3. Morning is the perfect time for romantic songs and flirting

Each species of bird has its own breeding season. Ornithologists suggest that the intensity of morning singing may depend on whether the female is ready to breed at that moment. Thus, the morning cries of birds, including roosters, may serve as a way to manipulate the behavior of females during their fertility period.

4. Morning songs mark territory

Birds often fall victim to predators at night. This can happen due to hunger, low temperatures, or attacks. If a male dies, his “possessions” become unclaimed, and anyone can take them over.

In this regard, scientists have proposed the hypothesis that morning cries and songs should be loud to warn others that the night has passed successfully and the male is still alive. This means that one should not enter his territory.

5. The better the song, the better the male

There is another hypothesis regarding bird reproduction. Scientists believe that females choose their “husband” based on the quality of singing. The better the singing, the better the physical condition of the male, and the healthier his offspring will be.