Published: 10:02 BST, 13 August 2026 | Updated: 11:43 BST, 13 August 2026
This is the moment birds across the country were thrown into a state of confusion as the sun disappeared behind the moon during yesterday's solar eclipse.
Yesterday evening, millions of people around the country came to a standstill to watch a once-in-a-generation solar eclipse darken the sun.
With the nation's eyes fixed on the sky, videos shared online show large flocks flying chaotically through the air as the sky began to darken.
Meanwhile, others appear to show the animals falling eerily quiet during the celestial event.
The peculiar scenes prompted viewers to wonder whether the animals realised something extraordinary was taking place.
‘The birds knew something was happening,’ one person said after sharing footage of birds flying in a random pattern in the sky above her.
Another user asked: ‘Has anyone noticed the birds acting strangely?’ while another said there was suddenly a ‘massive flock of crows’ in the sky.
Another user, from Cornwall, said: ‘The birds were definitely spooked!’ while one person added: ‘The solar eclipse has all the birds in my local area PANICKED.’
Bizarre videos shared online show large flocks flying chaotically through the air as the sky began to darken
Last night, millions of Britons took to the streets to marvel at a once-in-a-generation-eclipse. Pictured: The solar eclipse seen from Glastonbury, England
Is this normal for birds during an eclipse? 🌑 #eclipse #solareclipse #eclipse2026 #birdtiktok
While the birds’ reaction may appear strange, the animals are highly attuned to changes in light and use the rising and setting of the sun to regulate their daily routines.
During Wednesday's eclipse, the moon moved across the face of the sun, blocking out more than 90 per cent of its light from London at its peak.
Across Britain, the sudden change was accompanied by an eerie drop in light and, in some places, a noticeable chill.