Nightingale

 

The nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) is renowned for its beautiful song, full of liquid notes, that can be heard on calm nights not only in Berkeley Square but in rural environments as well. It is certainly a bird that is more often heard than seen.

The nightingale is a migratory bird that winters in tropical Africa and arrives in Europe from mid-April onwards, flying mainly at night. Its breeding range in the United Kingdom is in southern and eastern England, with the greatest densities found in East Anglia, Sussex and Kent. The nightingale’s preferred habitat is dense deciduous woodland, bushes and thickets, often close to water. In urban environments they can be found in overgrown cemeteries and large gardens.

Appearance

The nightingale is about 16.5 centimetres (6.5 inches) in length, being not unlike the robin in shape, larger overall but not as plump. It has quite a long tail which is round in shape and is often cocked as it walks on the ground or spread when in flight.

The plumage, which is similar as between male and female nightingales, is red-brown above with the tail being a richer chestnut colour. The underparts are buff or brown, with lighter colouring on the throat and chest. There is a white circle around the eyes.

Behaviour

Nightingales are solitary birds that spend much of their time hidden in thick vegetation close to the ground. They will sing from the middle of a bush, which is one of the main reasons why they are less often seen than heard.

Although the nightingale’s song is rightly renowned for its richness and variety, not all birds are equally talented songsters. The best are able to sing for long stretches at a time, combining repeated clear notes, trills, warbles and phrases at varying pitches and dynamics, with some phrases learned from other bird species.

Nightingales leave for their winter quarters in late August or early September.

Food for nightingales comprises insects, larvae, worms, spiders and berries.

Breeding

The male nightingales arrive at their breeding grounds several days in advance of the females, and the first thing they do is sing, in order to establish a territory.

The nest is well concealed in the undergrowth, close to the ground or actually on it. It comprises grass, roots and leaves. Anything from three to six eggs will be laid which are incubated by the female alone for up to 14 days. Both parents feed the young birds, for about 11 days in the nest and then for some time after the nestlings have left but are not yet fledged. Only one brood is raised.

Conservation

The nightingale has amber list conservation status in the United Kingdom, signifying that the species is not in immediate danger but the number of breeding birds has declined in recent years and their future cannot be guaranteed.

 

© John Welford