Why are crows so noisy in early spring?

Some scientists even believe crows have regional dialects, meaning the ones in Dublin might sound slightly different from their Cork cousins

Dr Michelle McKeown: "Crows are highly communicative birds, and much of their chatter isn’t random but full of meaning. They warn each other of predators, coordinate group movements, and even, some researchers suggest, share information about food sources."

If you’ve been jolted awake lately by an unholy racket outside your window, you’re not alone. Across Ireland, crows are turning up the volume, filling the morning air with a chorus of caws, croaks, and what can only be described as avian shouting matches. It’s loud, chaotic, and (depending on your sleep schedule) either an impressive natural spectacle or an absolute nuisance.

This sudden burst of noise isn’t just crows being difficult for the sake of it. There’s method to the madness, and early spring happens to be one of the most dramatic periods in crow society. Their vocal chaos is a mix of love, territory battles, family squabbles, and food fights, all unfolding in the trees above our heads.