More than 30 Swifts gathered around an established nesting house, with young-looking birds repeatedly turning towards entrances and empty gaps. The close passes suggested prospecting, but also resembled the little-understood behaviour known as “banging”.

Discover why birds sing at dawn and what the dawn chorus really means. Exploring the latest research on Reed Buntings, bird song, female choice and extra-pair mating, this evidence-based guide reveals how modern science is reshaping our understanding of one of nature's greatest spectacles.