Thrush Nightingale

The nightingale belongs to the flycatcher family and is prevalent in Northern and Eastern Europe and all the way to Eurasia. When arriving in the nesting areas of Eurasia in the spring, the male starts singing and continues through June. The name nightingale refers to “the one who sings at night”. In August the migration south begins, to south-eastern Africa.

Appearance

Evenly greyish brown with a reddish brown tail and a speckled greyish brown chest. Relatively long beak. 17-18cm long body and weighs about 30grams. The male and the female have the same plumage.

Similar Birds

It looks similar to the female common redstart, but is larger.

Sounds and Song

A hard clattering warning sound with a loud “hiiit”. The song is melodious, like an instrument with a smattering and trilling sound mixed with whistles. It likes singing at night. Once the eggs are laid, the nightingale stops singing.

Eating Habits

Insects, berries.

Nesting Habits

The nightingale builds the nest near or on the ground. The nest is made of straws, dry leaves and grass, hidden in a dense undergrowth, where it lays 5-6 dark greying brown eggs.

Distribution

Summer  Resident  Winter