Mainly to warn any possible adversaries that they have taken possession of a certain territory. No bird can enter it and, if necessary, it will be defended by more singing or even an attack. The most sensitive area is around the nest; a place that no man or animal can enter.
The holder of the territory may come up against animals larger than itself and even man in defence of its domain. There is also a larger area containing food that is no less well defended.
The song of the male bird that has found its territory at the beginning of spring sounds different as the season progresses, for he must attract a mate for himself. His song and brightly-colored plumage combine to attract a female. The male shows off in his attempts to win the best females.
The competition is enormous with other males opening their throats and singing out for the same reason. The better the song, the brighter the colors and more proud the manner, the greater the chance that the bird will be chosen. A male must look for a strong female in order to assure the best chances of survival for his offspring.
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