Even though there are so many different species of bird, the majority of them spend most of their time doing the same thing – searching for food and eating.
Diurnal species awaken at sunset and forage during the day. Nocturnal birds spend their night time hunting for food.
At the first hint of daybreak, diurnal birds begin singing to announce their presence to others. Read more about the reason why here in this other article about why birds wake up so early.
Everything you need to know about why birds wake up so early
What time of day are birds most active?
When there is enough light for them to see well, birds will begin the activity that consumes the vast proportion of their day – foraging for food.
Because so many birds are active when the sun rises, this is one of the best times to go bird watching. Their need for nourishment is strongest when they wake up.
Birds are also busy searching for something to eat around dawn. It’s because this is the time that their food sources are most active.
The bugs and grubs that live under the soil will begin to emerge as the sun warms the ground. During the time around dawn, birds hop along the ground. It’s their opportunity to make the most of this plentiful supply of worms and insects.
Early morning is the safest time for birds to be active. At this time, cats, dogs, reptiles and weasels are not out and about, so the birds can avoid their main predators.
Airborne threats are less likely around dawn, too. Raptors like hawks, falcons and eagles that might snap up a smaller bird don’t start their hunting until later in the day.
Where do birds go in the middle of the day?
It makes sense for the smaller birds to be less active in the middle of the day so as not to be a target for eagles and hawks. Typically, songbirds will take cover and rest somewhere safe and sheltered from the predatory birds’ amazing eyesight.
Even if the little birds are still out foraging at this time it will be more difficult to see them. They’ll avoid open areas for fear of being eaten by the raptors.
Late mornings and early afternoons are a good time to spot raptors because they will be hunting. These birds are more active once the day has progressed and the air has warmed up.
When the air is warm, it forms air currents, which the raptors use to soar above the ground. Gliding like this helps them to conserve their energy, while they scan the ground for prey.
As the afternoon progresses, the air cools. When there are fewer currents for the raptors to soar on, they return to land.
Least active time of day: what do birds do in the afternoons?
Afternoons can still be good for bird watchers because it is often the sunniest time of day. Sunlight benefits birds in several ways.
As well as helping to regulate their body temperature, the warmth of the sun will kill off any parasites or mites living amongst their feathers.
It is also thought that the sun boosts the level of Vitamin D in the oil that birds use to coat their feathers.
This preening oil keeps their feathers healthy and waterproof. Preening is part of many birds’ afternoon routine.
Along the same theme, the middle of the day can also be a good time for birds to take a bath. When it’s the warmest time of day, it is easier to dry their feathers in the sun afterwards.
Why do birds sing at sunset?
Just as the dawn chorus begins at a transitional time, when night is turning to day, so too does singing increase at sunset. The low light triggers the birds to sing.
Birds are more vocal at this time because they want to communicate their location. They are announcing to the rest of their flock that they are ready to roost and have found a great spot to do so. And they are also defending their territory.
Another purpose of singing is to attract a mate. Males are trying to attract the females in the area.
The females will be seeking a strong mate that can defend its territory against rivals. This is particularly evident in breeding season.
Are birds active in the evening?
With the raptors no longer overhead, the late afternoon is a safer time for the smaller birds to restart their activity. These birds spend several hours before dusk foraging.
There is a lot of action just before sunset as birds eat in order to build up their energy for the evening.
As the light changes, the birds’ behaviour changes. Diurnal birds settle down to sleep.
What time do birds go to sleep?
Night time is the least active time for diurnal songbirds birds that forage and fly during the day. At dusk, however, there will be a whole new set of birds beginning their most active time – the nocturnal birds.
If you would like to see nocturnal birds like owls, nighthawks, nightjars and night herons, twilight is the best time to begin bird watching.
LINK – how to see an owl
An average day in the life of a bird: plan your bird watching
As well as their main activity of foraging, birds will also be spending energy mating, building nests, raising their young and defending their territory.
You can see and hear most songbirds at dawn and dusk when they are at their busiest. Diurnal birds of prey will be visible in the middle of the day.
Depending on what kind of bird you would like to observe, you can plan your bird watching to see the most important parts of their daily routine, and develop an appreciate of how much activity it takes for these amazingly busy creatures to survive.