Luscinia megarhynchos
The Nightingale is a small, unassuming bird with a plain brown plumage. Its upperparts are a warm russet-brown, while the underparts are slightly paler. The tail has a distinctive rufous tinge, especially noticeable in flight. The beak is grey with a pale pink base, and the legs are pink as well.
Males and females are virtually identical in appearance. Juveniles resemble adults but may have some subtle spotting on their upperparts. The Nightingale's most striking feature is its large, dark eye, contrasting with its plain plumage.
Length
15cm to 16.5cm
Wingspan
23cm to 26cm
Weight
18g to 27g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown
Secondary Colour
Rufous
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Pink
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Nightingales inhabit dense deciduous woodlands, thickets, and overgrown gardens across Europe and parts of Asia. They prefer areas with thick undergrowth and a carpet of leaf litter for foraging.
In the UK, Nightingales are found mainly in southeast England, arriving in April and departing in August. They winter in sub-Saharan Africa, making them true long-distance migrants.
Up to 1,400 meters
Temperate, Mediterranean
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Nightingale. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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