They say that music unites us, this collection of notes, melodies and words can change your mood almost instantly. Different types of music can bring out different emotions and even memories. It is said that animals respond to music as well. So, do birds like music? This article looks into it 

It has been observed and tested and yes birds do like music. When music is played around birds it ignites pleasure sensors in the animal just as it does with humans. The pleasure and rewards portion of their brains light up when they listen to music. 

Why do birds like music?

It has been scientifically proven and visually tested, birds love music. Some will even simulate dancing to tunes. But why, why do birds like music?

A team of avian researchers at Emory University found out that a small yet active part of a bird’s brains lights up with activity at the sound of music. Birds have long been known to make musical sounds to communicate and have even been suspected of simulating musical notes when they hang on to power lines. But what the Emory researchers found out is that music ignited the pleasure senses in birds, similar to how music does in humans. The parts of the bird brain, that has to do with pleasure and reward, come alive when they are hearing music.

Basically, it makes them feel good, alive and like they’ve received a good reward.

Do birds dance to music?

While they may not be showstoppers, birds have been known to dance to music. From raised wings, head-bopping, pumping, spinning and bobbing motions when a beat they like is being played, birds dance to various types of music.

Some studies suggest that it’s a side effect of mating rituals or an interpretive communication by birds. Others suggest that birds are just feeling the groove of the music and adding their own dance moves to how the music moves them. Either way, birds have been known to dance to music. However, not all birds break out in dance. Owls eagles, falcons and many other species of birds don’t dance to music but penguins, cockatoos, cardinals, canaries, parrots have been humorously videoed doing spazzy dances when a tune comes on.

Are birds attracted to music?

The mating ritual of many bird species includes musical mating calls, dance courtships and similar behaviours. Their brains are pleasantly stimulated by music which woos and creates attraction to their mate. Essentially birds are indeed attracted to music. Yet they aren’t a fan of every type of music. Finding their musical preferences is a matter of trial and error.

Why does my bird scream when I play music?

A bird’s reaction to music will vary across genres and bird species. Your bird may be screaming in disdain and utter dislike for the type of music being played. Birds that fancy music often react to music they like by dancing, whistling, chatter, or their version of a sing-along. However, when they aren’t inclined or felling the music, you’re playing they will hiss, growl, screech, scream, or even just look on silently and blankly.

What sounds scare birds away?

Birds may like and feel attracted to music, yet not all sounds fit the bill. Some birds will get uneasy at the musical songs of other birds they consider to be predators or a danger to them. The haughty hoots of owls and eerie shriek of hawks aren’t sounds that many birds fancy hearing let alone dance to. Even musical disharmony and discord and gloomy opera music have been known to be a turn off for birds.

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, yes birds like music. The pleasure rewards area of a birds brain lights up when they listen to music just as it does in a human brain. When birds listen to certain types of music they begin to feel alive and happy. Birds even dance to music when played, they will raise their wings, do some head-bopping, pumping, spinning and bobbing motions. Mating calls are a type of music too, and birds are attracted to them. If your bird doesn’t like the type of music you’re playing then it may scream in disdain. Sounds that resemble the calls of bird predators will scare birds away.

If you enjoyed this article then you may also be interested in other bird related articles. Here are some articles that you may be interested in: Why do birds eat their eggs?, Why do birds get puffy?​​, Why do birds follow me?​​, Why do birds dig holes in the dirt?​​