Here in Singapore, we rise not to the crowing of the rooster but the iconic mating calls of the male Koel Bird – also named the uwu bird by locals, who are clearly done with it.

Nothing screams morning blues like “uwu, uwu” vibrating through the neighborhood at the break of dawn. The Koel hides well away from view in the trees, but its loud resonant cries make it sound like it’s everywhere all at once. Imagine a powerful soprano doing the same drill for hours on end.

Usually it would get replies from a female Koel with equally grating enthusiasm, and sometimes, now immortalized in a viral clip, the screams from a very angry man who just wanted to sleep.

No matter who you are and where you live in Singapore, the Koel Bird disturbs all. Our frustration unites us in a somewhat wonderful way.