Winter Birdsong in Moravia: Which Birds Sing Through the Cold?

When the last leaves fall from Moravia's vineyards and the frost settles over the White Carpathians, many assume that birdsong vanishes until spring. But step outside on a crisp January morning in Brno or walk through the woods near Podyji National Park, and you will quickly discover that the Czech winter has its own, quieter soundtrack. Several resident species continue to sing throughout the cold months, their voices carrying with a clarity that the bare, still landscape amplifies beautifully.

Why Do Some Birds Sing in Winter?

While the spring chorus is driven primarily by breeding, winter singing serves different purposes. Some species, like the European Robin, hold winter territories that they defend with song. Others, like the Great Tit, begin singing on milder days as early as January to establish territories ahead of the breeding season. For a few species, singing in winter may also help maintain pair bonds or simply reflect a response to increasing day length after the winter solstice.

Moravia's relatively mild winters in the lowland areas, combined with the sheltered valleys of the White Carpathians and the diverse habitats around the Dyje (Thaya) river, make this region one of the best in the Czech Republic for winter birdwatching and listening.

Winter Singers to Listen For

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

The robin is perhaps the most consistent winter singer in Czechia. Unlike many species where only the male sings, female robins also hold and defend winter territories with song. Their sweet, melancholic warble can be heard from hedgerows and garden shrubs throughout Moravia's towns and villages, even on the coldest days. Robins are among the first birds to sing in the morning and the last to fall silent at dusk, taking advantage of low light levels when other birds are inactive.

Great Tit (Parus major)

The Great Tit's cheerful, rhythmic "teacher-teacher" call is one of the first signs that winter is loosening its grip. In Moravia, Great Tits can begin territorial singing as early as mid-January on sunny days, their calls ringing through bare deciduous woodlands and suburban parks. They are frequent visitors to garden feeders, and their boldness makes them easy to observe.

Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)

While the Yellowhammer's famous "a-little-bit-of-bread-and-no-cheese" song is most associated with summer, males in Moravia sometimes begin singing on mild days from late February onward. Their bright yellow plumage stands out against the winter landscape, and they often perch on exposed bushes along field edges and vineyard margins in the wine-growing areas around Mikulov and Znojmo.

Common Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus)

The Woodpigeon's gentle, five-note cooing is a year-round sound in many parts of Moravia, particularly in and around larger towns where the birds are resident. While not technically a "song" in the ornithological sense, their soft calls add a peaceful background note to winter soundscapes.

Eurasian Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)

Despite its tiny size, the Wren produces a surprisingly loud and complex song that it sometimes delivers throughout winter, especially on calm, mild days. Listen for its explosive trills coming from dense hedgerows, fallen logs, and stone walls along Moravian streams.

Best Winter Listening Locations in Moravia

• Podyji National Park - The deep valley of the Dyje river near Znojmo shelters birds from harsh weather, and the mixed forests support a rich wintering community.
• Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape - This UNESCO World Heritage site features extensive parkland and fish ponds that attract both resident and wintering species.
• Palava Hills - The limestone cliffs and dry grasslands above Mikulov host specialized species, while the sheltered south-facing slopes warm up quickly on sunny winter days.
• Brno City Parks - Luzanky Park and the grounds of Spilberk Castle offer surprisingly good urban birding, with Robins, Tits, and Nuthatches active throughout winter.