The libretto, written by the composer, is a free adaptation of Aristophanes' comedy The Birds which was performed at the Dionysos Theatre in Athens in 414 BC.

[1] The opera was first performed on 30 November 1920[1] at the National Theatre Munich, with Bruno Walter conducting and Maria Ivogün (the Nightingale) and Karl Erb (Good Hope) in the principal roles.

[9][10][11] The Canadian premiere was given by Pacific Opera Victoria in February, 2023, conducted by Timothy Vernon and staged by Glynis Leshon.

Good Hope and Loyal Friend, disillusioned with their fellow men, have journeyed to a desolate region in search of the Hoopoe, king of the birds.

Awakened from sleep, the Hoopoe-who had once been a man himself-confronts Good Hope and Loyal Friend, who declare their desire to live among the carefree birds.

Playing on their emotions, Loyal Friend harks back to a golden age when the birds were revered by men, and incites them to reclaim their lost glory.

At first she tells him that he can never understand what it means to live in harmony with the universe, but his declaration of love sways her, and she imparts a kiss to his forehead, granting his desire.

Led by the Hoopoe and Loyal Friend, the birds vaunt their lofty achievement and their imminent dominion over all living things.

A wedding procession makes its way through the crowd, led by the Wren, who proudly heralds the arrival of the first newlyweds to enter the great city.

Despite this dire warning and the misgivings voiced by Good Hope and the Hoopoe, Loyal Friend brashly exhorts the birds to wage war against the gods.

Good Hope lingers for a moment, reflecting upon his brief encounter with the Nightingale, an experience which will live forever in his heart.