The UK has gone quiet this month with some people wondering ‘where did all the birds go’ – and there’s a very good reason for it
11:10, 17 Sep 2025Updated 11:10, 17 Sep 2025
Birdsong in the UK has dramatically dropped off this month, experts say(Image: Getty Images)
Experts have revealed why gardens across the UK have become so silent this month, with some people questioning ‘where have all the birds gone’ – and there’s a perfectly logical explanation.
It’s entirely connected to the natural cycle of life and the actual purpose behind birdsong – explaining why the ‘dawn chorus’ during spring will invariably be much more pronounced.
Bird calls diminish dramatically across the UK following late summer as the mating season concludes, adult birds cease singing to protect territory or entice partners, and they become occupied with instructing their young.
Furthermore, birds begin a crucial and exhausting moult to substitute worn feathers in preparation for winter.
This renders them exposed and more inclined to seek shelter in cover, leading to fewer birds being observed and heard in gardens.
Writing on Wildlife Watch, Zoologist & Wildlife TV Presenter Yussef Rafik explained that there’s a remarkable biological explanation too – avian brains transform throughout the year.
He explained: “Research by some of the world’s top ornithologists has shown that the structure of a bird’s brain actually changes throughout the year. The parts of the brain that are responsible for controlling song get bigger during the breeding season. This helps to give the birds louder and more complex songs so that they are more impressive to any potential mates.”
He clarified that as the summer months wind down and autumn takes hold, the breeding season for most birds concludes. He stated: “They no longer need to attract a mate, and their chicks have already grown up and left the nest. This means that the adult birds no longer need to keep singing to defend their territory. Many birds will also begin to migrate to warmer countries for the winter.”
One of the main reasons for the September silence is the annual moult. After the demanding breeding season, adult birds are worn out.
Their feathers, crucial for flight and insulation, are frayed and ragged. To gear up for the challenges of autumn and winter, birds undergo a complete feather replacement. This process is incredibly energy-intensive, making birds more vulnerable and less likely to spend time out in the open.
“Moulting is a physically demanding time for birds,” explains the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). “They need to conserve energy, so they become much quieter and spend more time hidden amongst vegetation, making them less conspicuous.”
This period of vulnerability results in less singing, less aggressive territorial defence, and less visible foraging.
RSPB tips for feeding birds in autumn and winter.
Regularly provide bird food and water throughout autumn and winter. In severe weather, you may find you need to feed twice daily.
Birds require high-energy, high-fat foods during cold weather.
Always tailor the amount of food provided to the demand, and avoid letting uneaten food accumulate. Once you’ve established a feeding routine, it’s best not to alter it as birds will become accustomed to it.
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