Too hot to chirp: French heatwave silences cicadas of Provence

Insect's mating call is a familiar sound of summer in region but experts say climate may force a relocation

The noise of church bells, ducks, geese, cockerels and even frogs has been the source of many a complaint - and even legal action - from visitors and newly arrived city dwellers in the French countryside.

Few will forget Maurice the crowing cockerel, who landed his owner in court in a case that ruffled feathers across France and symbolised the town and country divide.