Nightingale
Luscinia megarhynchos
Visual Identification
Appearance
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.
Size
Length
15cm to 16.5cm
Wingspan
23cm to 26cm
Weight
18g to 27g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown
Secondary Colour
Rufous
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
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.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,400 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean
Distribution Map
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:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Nightingale demonstrates high agility through its ability to navigate dense undergrowth and forage effectively on the ground. Its small size and adaptation to thickets suggest nimble movements and quick reflexes.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small bird weighing between 18-27 grams, the Nightingale has limited physical strength. Its diet of insects and berries doesn't require significant strength, and it's not known for aggressive or strength-based behaviours.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Nightingales show good adaptability by thriving in various habitats from woodlands to gardens, and by adjusting their diet seasonally. Their long-distance migration also indicates adaptability to different environments.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Nightingales are generally described as secretive and shy, rather than aggressive. While males may become more conspicuous during breeding season, this is for singing rather than aggressive displays.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Nightingale's ability to undertake long-distance migrations from Europe to sub-Saharan Africa demonstrates considerable endurance. Additionally, male Nightingales' capacity to sing complex songs for extended periods, often at night, suggests high stamina.
Diet
Nightingales primarily feed on insects and their larvae, including beetles, ants, and flies. They also consume small spiders and worms. During autumn, they supplement their diet with berries and small fruits, which help them build fat reserves for migration.
Foraging mainly takes place on the ground, in ditches or under dense undergrowth.
Behaviour
Nightingales are secretive birds, often hiding in dense undergrowth. They forage on the ground, hopping and running while searching for insects.
During the breeding season, male Nightingales become more conspicuous, perching in the open to deliver their famous song, often at night.
Vocalisation
The Nightingale has probably one of the largest ranges of songs by any bird species. Their song is renowned for its beauty and complexity. It consists of a rich, varied series of whistles, trills, and gurgles, often delivered in distinct phrases.
The song includes over 200 different elements and can be heard both day and night, with a characteristic 'jug-jug-jug' phrase.
Whilst both paired male and female adults will call softly during the breeding season by day around the nesting area, the male bird sings extensively during the night in order to attract a mate using a larger repertoire of songs than those vocalised during the day.
Nesting & Breeding
Nightingales form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, typically from May to July. Males attract females with their complex songs, often singing at night to avoid acoustic competition.
The female builds a cup-shaped nest low in dense vegetation, using leaves, grass, and small twigs. She lays 4-5 olive-brown or sometimes blueish eggs and incubates them for about 13 days.
Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 11-12 days but remain dependent on their parents for another two weeks. Nightingales usually raise one brood per season, occasionally two in favourable conditions.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Nightingale is currently listed as Least Concern globally, its population is declining in parts of its range, particularly in Western Europe. Habitat loss and degradation, especially of dense scrub and woodland undergrowth, are primary threats.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring suitable breeding habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive song, especially at dawn or dusk - they are often heard long before they are seen
- Look for movement in dense undergrowth near the ground
- Visit known habitats during spring migration or breeding season
- Be patient and quiet, as Nightingales are shy and elusive
- It can be easily confused with the Thrush Nightingale, but a quick look at the Common Nightingale’s rufous broad tail with long under tail coverts quickly identifies the two
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Common Nightingale, Rufous Nightingale
Family:
MuscicapidaeAverage Lifespan
5 years
Max Lifespan
8 years
Predators
Nightingales are preyed upon by various predators, including domestic cats, sparrowhawks, and other birds of prey. Ground-nesting makes them vulnerable to foxes and rodents.
Did You Know?
- Nightingales can sing up to 300 different love songs.
- Their name comes from 'night' and 'galan,' meaning 'to sing.'
- Despite their plain appearance, they're considered one of the world's most melodious birds.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Luscinia megarhynchos (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22709696A111760622.
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