There has long been anecdotal evidence that certain types of music can affect the behavior of birds. Some bird owners claim that playing certain songs or genres of music seems to make their birds start dancing or bobbing along. This has led many to wonder – is there really a type of music that makes birds want to dance?
In this article, we’ll explore some of the leading theories behind music’s effects on birds, look at some real-world examples and scientific studies, and see if we can get to the bottom of this lighthearted but surprisingly complex question.
Why Would Birds React to Music?
Before looking at any evidence around music making birds dance, it’s worth considering why we might expect birds to react to music at all. Here are some potential reasons:
- Many bird species are highly social and use vocalizations to communicate. It’s possible they could interpret certain sounds or rhythms from music as social cues.
- Birds may be responding to specific frequencies, tones or beats in the music that catch their attention.
- The complex auditory system of birds allows them to detect intricate patterns in sound. Music has many layers of patterning.
- Some music mimics bird vocalizations. Birds may respond instinctively to these familiar-sounding cues.
- The variation and novelty of music compared to environmental sounds may stimulate curious behavioral responses.
So while birds do not necessarily comprehend music the way humans do, there are plausible reasons why they may react to and interact with it in observable ways.
Anecdotes of Dancing Birds
Plenty of bird owners will swear by certain musical styles or songs that get their birds up and moving. While anecdotal, these real-world examples give clues about the types of music that elicit dance-like behaviors in birds. Some commonly reported songs and genres include:
- Upbeat jazz or swing music
- “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
- The Beatles song “Here Comes the Sun”
- Classical music like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
- Latin music, especially rhythmic salsa and merengue songs
- Reggae or reggaeton with pulsing beats
- Rock steady and ska from the 1960s-1970s
- R&B or soul music from the Motown era
The common thread seems to be music with a lively, rhythmic quality and catchy melodies or beats that capture a bird’s attention and spur movement. The beats may mimic a bird’s natural rhythms, while the melodies intrigue their acute hearing. Uptempo classical, jazz, Latin and oldies tunes are most frequently cited.
Scientific Research on Music’s Effects on Birds
While anecdotes abound, what does more scientific research tell us about music’s effects on birds? A few notable studies have probed this topic:
- A 2015 study found that fast, high-pitched music encouraged more positive behavior in parakeets, while slow, low-pitched music increased negative reactions.
- Research in 2018 showed that zebra finches altered their singing in complex ways to match human music they were exposed to.
- A 2020 study revealed that reggae music specifically helped reduce stress and aggression in flamingos and encouraged more flocking behavior.
- Classical music has been shown to calm chickens and improve egg production for hens according to some animal research.
While limited, these studies show music can produce measurable effects on bird behavior, social dynamics, vocalizations and stress levels. Uptempo music generally evokes more positive reactions. This matches anecdotal observations of dancing birds preferring lively genres of music.
Why Certain Music May Inspire Dancing
We can synthesize the anecdotal evidence and scientific research to make some good guesses as to why certain music is more likely to inspire dancing in birds:
- Clear rhythms and beats – birds may instinctively respond to strong rhythms.
- Uptempo pace – faster tempos appear more stimulating.
- Repetitive melodies – patterns are easier for birds to process.
- Social, flocking cues – features mimic natural bird vocalizations.
- Positive emotional valence – happier, major key music uplifts birds.
- Higher frequencies – birds hear higher pitches better.
- Novelty factor – unusual sounds pique birds’ curiosity.
Styles like swing, salsa, ska, reggae, jazz and oldies pop tend to have these traits, which likely drive movement and dance-like behaviors in birds. Scientific findings reinforce this.
Best Music for Dancing Birds
Based on all the available information, below are some music genres and specific songs most likely to get birds dancing:
Music Genres
- Swing/Big Band Jazz
- Salsa
- Reggae
- Ska
- Upbeat Classical
- Motown/Oldies
Specific Songs
- “Sing, Sing, Sing” – Benny Goodman
- “Take Five” – Dave Brubeck
- “Oye Como Va” – Tito Puente
- “I Shot the Sheriff” – Bob Marley
- “Three Little Birds” – Bob Marley
- “Get Up, Stand Up” – Bob Marley
- “It’s a Small World” – The Skatalites
- “Dancing Queen” – ABBA
- “Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles
- “Mr. Blue Sky” – Electric Light Orchestra
- “Spring” – Vivaldi
- “Bolero” – Ravel
Creating a mix of these types of tunes is your best bet for encouraging dancing behavior in birds. Pay attention to the tempo, tone and rhythms they respond best to.
Does Music Really Make Birds Dance?
While anecdotal evidence abounds, the scientific research on music making birds dance is limited. More controlled studies are needed to truly confirm cause and effect. However, the available observations and data suggest that yes, certain music is very likely to trigger dance-like movements and positive, energetic behavior in many species of birds. Lively genres with clear beats, repetitive melodies and tempos matching birds’ natural rhythms are most likely to get their feathers grooving!
Conclusion
Music that makes birds dance tends to be upbeat, rhythmic genres like jazz, swing, Latin, reggae and motown. Specific songs reported to elicit dance behaviors in birds include “Dancing Queen,” “Sing Sing Sing,” “Here Comes the Sun” and classic reggae tunes. While anecdotal evidence is plentiful, more scientific research is still needed. But it appears various musical traits like faster tempos, repetitive melodies and clear beats do cause many birds to start moving in sync and display more energetic, dance-like motions. So put on some upbeat oldies or salsa and see if you can get your bird boogieing along! Just remember that birds have sensitive hearing, so moderate the volume. With the right playlist, you may soon have a feathered friend dancing the day away.