Scene 1
Seeking to flee the commotion and corruption of Athens, Goodhope and Makedo search for Tereus, a legendary Athenian king who became a hoopoe bird. T's Servant directs them to him. Makedo, learning about the easy life of birds, suggests they join the birds and overthrow the gods by intercepting sacrifices. T calls the birds to assembly. The birds try to attack M and G, until learning of the humans' plan. M persuases them that birds are the legitimate rulers of the universe

Scene 2
Goodhope and Makedo enter dressed as birds and found Cloudcuckooland. Goodhopepushed aside, exits. A series of visitors appear, all demanding something: Priest, Poet, Prophet, Meton, Inspector, Lawyer. Makedo beats them all away.

Scene 3
A Messenger reports to Makedo that the birds have finished the wall, but a Guard reports a god has breeched it; Iris appears to warn Makedo to stop. Another Messenger crowns Makedo and announced the popularity of his rule. Humans start to emigrate: a Youth, Cinesias the Poet, an Informert. Makedo beats them away individually

Scene 4
Prometheus sneaks in to advise Makedo about negotiating with the gods. M. should insist on Zeus' power and marriage to the Divine Princess

Scene 5
The gods Poseidon, Heracles and Jerkoffalotarrive to negotiate terms with Makedo, who is roasting some birds found guilty of treason. Because H and J are distracted, Makedo wins everything.

Choral entrance/parabasis
Humans and gods are weak, birds rule

Second parabasis
All must worship birds. Judges must honor Aristophanes.

Choral interlude
Cowardly Cleonymus. No more heroes.

Choral interlude
Silly Socrates and Peisander

Wedding revelry