Do Singing Birds Mean New York Should Anticipate Spring Weather?

If you’ve been outside and noticed birds chirping away more than usual, you might think that warm spring weather is coming soon. But let's see what the songs of the birds really mean before we get too excited about warmer weather!

Why Birds Sing in Late Winter

Hate to burst your bubble, but field naturalist Bryan Pfeiffer says that more bird singing in late winter doesn't always mean spring is coming soon. He explains that longer days make male birds produce hormones that make them sing. This singing is like a preview of the mating season, not a sign that winter is ending.

Birdsong in Late Winter: A Sign of Hormonal Changes

Pfeiffer explains that when you hear more birds singing in late winter, it doesn't necessarily mean that spring is right around the corner. He says that the longer days trigger male birds to produce hormones that make them sing. This singing is a way for them to prepare for the upcoming mating season, rather than a signal that winter is about to end.

Chirping Birds and the Winter Landscape

Although hearing birds chirp may make us feel hopeful about spring coming, it's important to realize that there are many factors that affect bird behavior in winter and that they’re not all centered around the weather.

“For birds, when the days start getting longer, it's time to court,” says  Patrick Comins, executive director of the Connecticut Audubon Society. So, although the days are getting longer, it doesn’t necessarily mean that warmer weather will follow. It might, but then again, it might not.

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When Does Spring Officially Start?

In 2025, spring will begin on Thursday, March 20th. This day is determined by the March equinox when the sun shines directly over the equator, causing day and night to be almost equal in length.