Eclipses are celestial events that don’t just fascinate humans — they also trigger fascinating responses in wildlife.
As the sky darkens unexpectedly, animals react in ways that reveal how much they rely on natural light cues. From birds falling silent to nocturnal creatures waking up in confusion, eclipses offer a rare glimpse into how deeply nature is tuned to the rhythms of the sun and moon. Here’s what various creatures do when there’s an eclipse.
1. Birds often go quiet and return to their roosts.
As daylight fades suddenly, many birds mistake an eclipse for the arrival of night. Confused by the rapid change, they stop singing, look for shelter, and in some cases, even settle into their nighttime roosts. This abrupt silence is one of the most striking effects of an eclipse in nature.
Once the light returns, birds typically remain cautious, taking a moment to reassess before resuming their usual behaviour. Some species may even perform a brief dawn chorus, as though they’ve just woken up, showing how much their instincts are tied to the sun.
2. Nocturnal animals become unexpectedly active.
While daytime creatures settle down, nocturnal animals react as if the night has arrived early. Bats may emerge from their roosts, owls could start calling, and some nocturnal insects may begin buzzing around as they would after sunset.
However, because the darkness is so brief, this sudden activity is often cut short. When the sun reappears, these creatures may quickly retreat, realising their ‘night’ was an illusion. This disruption highlights how finely tuned their internal clocks are to natural light cycles.
3. Farm animals show signs of confusion.
Domesticated animals such as cows, horses, and sheep often respond to an eclipse with hesitation and uncertainty. Some may head toward their barns, expecting to be fed or brought in for the night, while others might stand still and observe their surroundings, sensing something is off.
Farmers have reported that cattle sometimes lie down, similar to how they do in the evening, while chickens may retreat to their coops. However, once normal daylight returns, they quickly resume their usual routines, as if nothing unusual had happened.
4. Insects adjust their behaviour to the changing light.
Many insect species, particularly those sensitive to light, react immediately to an eclipse. Crickets, for instance, may begin chirping as they do at dusk, while fireflies—if present—could start their nighttime glow prematurely.
Some day-flying insects, like butterflies and bees, may retreat to resting spots, assuming the day is ending. Interestingly, when the light returns, they don’t always resume their activities immediately, sometimes waiting a little longer to be sure that the change is permanent.
5. Marine life responds to shifting tides and light.
In ocean environments, many creatures use light as a guide for movement and feeding. Fish that rely on sunlight to avoid predators may retreat to deeper waters during an eclipse, while others that normally emerge at dusk may surface prematurely.
Coral reefs, which often engage in spawning events based on lunar and solar cycles, have been observed responding to eclipses as if they are part of their natural rhythm. This suggests that even brief shifts in light can have noticeable effects on marine ecosystems.
6. Primates show heightened awareness and curiosity.
Observations of monkeys and apes during eclipses reveal reactions of curiosity, confusion, and sometimes even distress. In some cases, primates gather in groups, watching the darkening sky with expressions of concern or fascination.
Some studies have noted unusual social behaviours during eclipses, such as increased grooming or huddling together for reassurance. These reactions suggest that primates, much like humans, experience a deep awareness of changes in their environment, even if they don’t understand the cause.
7. Predators may pause their hunting activity.
Many predators, especially those that rely on daylight to hunt, adjust their behaviour during an eclipse. Some may become temporarily inactive, as their prey disappears or becomes more cautious due to the sudden darkness.
Conversely, nocturnal hunters such as owls or certain wild cats may briefly become more alert, interpreting the darkness as a signal to begin their usual prowling. However, with the eclipse lasting only a short time, this behaviour is typically short-lived.
8. Amphibians may mistake an eclipse for nighttime.
Frogs and toads, which often call to attract mates in the evening, have been observed starting their nightly chorus during an eclipse. Mistaking the sudden darkness for sunset, they begin their usual nighttime behaviours.
Interestingly, when the light returns, some amphibians stop calling abruptly, as though realising their mistake. This highlights just how much their behaviour is dictated by shifts in natural light rather than an internal sense of time.
9. Some animals become visibly stressed or anxious.
For certain species, especially those highly sensitive to environmental changes, an eclipse can be a stressful experience. Elephants, for example, have been observed reacting with restlessness, trumpeting, or even forming protective group formations.
Dogs and cats, particularly those attuned to their owners’ reactions, may also show signs of unease. Animals that rely on predictable daylight patterns may experience momentary confusion, demonstrating how much their daily lives are guided by natural cues.
10. Migratory birds may briefly alter their flight patterns.
Birds that rely on the position of the sun for navigation can be momentarily thrown off by an eclipse. Some have been observed slowing down, changing course slightly, or even pausing their journey during the brief period of darkness.
While an eclipse isn’t long enough to have a lasting impact on migration, it does highlight how much these birds depend on visual cues to stay on course. Some may even treat the event like an unexpected storm, waiting for it to pass before resuming their route.
11. Zoo animals react in unique and unexpected ways.
In controlled environments like zoos, animals often react to eclipses in surprising ways. Some species show curiosity, while others retreat as if preparing for night. Big cats, for example, may become temporarily more active, mirroring their usual twilight behaviour.
Keepers have observed everything from playful excitement in some animals to wariness in others. Since these animals are accustomed to predictable human schedules, an eclipse may stand out as an unusual and puzzling experience for them.
12. The ecosystem experiences a brief, eerie stillness.
One of the most remarkable effects of an eclipse is the overall change in atmosphere. In many places, a deep silence falls across the landscape as creatures react instinctively to the sudden darkness. Birds stop singing, insects pause, and animals become still, creating an almost otherworldly stillness.
For a few minutes, it’s as if the natural world is holding its breath. Then, as the sun reappears, everything slowly returns to normal, with birds chirping again and daytime creatures emerging from their brief moment of confusion. This eerie transition is one of the most unforgettable aspects of an eclipse in the wild.
