[St. Francis’s] sermon to the birds was basically this, as recorded by Brother Masseo: “My little bird sisters, you should praise your Creator because he has given you the gift of flight and freedom, colorful clothing, food and water that you never need to sow, and such beautiful voices. The air is all yours! The mountains and crags and trees are yours! God gives you all that you need. Your Creator loves you. Therefore, always be grateful and praise him.”

At these words, the birds stretched their wings, opened their beaks, and moved their heads as if they were making slow bows. It was clear that they heard Francis and appreciated what he had to say. Finally, Francis made the sign of the cross over these creatures and told them that they could leave. At this, they all ascended into the air, in song, forming quickly into four different flocks, flying off to the east, west, south, and north. This signifies that the birds were just like Francis and his first companions.