Birds
nachtegaal / nightingale

Common Nightingale

Common Nightingale

45
3 days ago door Hans van Ewijk
Spotted
The Common Nightingale, Scientific name Luscinia megarhynchos, is a small passerine bird belonging to the family Muscicapidae. It is widely celebrated across Europe and Asia for its remarkably powerful, varied, and melodious song, particularly known for its nocturnal vocalizations during the breeding season. This migratory species is often heard but rarely seen due to its secretive nature.
Where to spot
This species prefers dense, bushy undergrowth in woodlands, scrublands, thickets, gardens, and parks, often near water sources. It is found across most of Europe and parts of Asia during the breeding season and winters in sub-Saharan Africa. Look for suitable habitats with dense cover.
How to spot
The Common Nightingale is notoriously shy and well-camouflaged, making it difficult to spot visually. The best way to identify it is by its unmistakable song, a rich and complex series of whistles, trills, and gurgles, often performed with surprising volume. Listen for its distinctive 'chook-chook' call if agitated.
When to spot
Birdwatchers are most likely to hear the Common Nightingale during the breeding season, typically from April to July in its European range. Males sing most intensely at dawn and dusk, but famously continue to sing throughout the night to attract mates and defend territory. They are present in their breeding grounds from spring until late summer before migrating south.
Nachtegaal
Nachtegaal
nachtegaal / nightingale
Nachtegaal
Credits: roderuiter
Nachtegaal
Credits: roderuiter
nachtegaal / nightingale
Credits: Arend Vermazeren
The Common Nightingale's song is so beautiful and intricate that it has inspired countless poets, writers, and composers throughout history, symbolizing love, beauty, and longing.
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Spotted

Recently spotted
96 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
3 days ago door Hans van Ewijk

Monthly observations

107 observations
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H
Hans van Ewijk
3 days ago
Common Nightingale
Bellwald, Valais/Wallis
Spotted Common Nightingale
Spotted Common Nightingale
+23
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H
Hans van Ewijk
5 days ago
Common Nightingale
Bellwald, Valais/Wallis
Spotted Common Nightingale
Spotted Common Nightingale
+60
Lifer
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S
Sjaak
6 days ago
Common Nightingale
Nunspeet, Gelderland
Spotted Common Nightingale
Spotted Common Nightingale
+45
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T
Theo
1 week ago
Common Nightingale
Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant
Spotted Common Nightingale
Spotted Common Nightingale
+70
Lifer
Make a little sound!
New badge!
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Paula
Paula
1 week ago
Common Nightingale
Spain
Spotted Common Nightingale
Spotted Common Nightingale
+2
No likes yet
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S
Sandra
2 weeks ago
Common Nightingale
Netherlands
Spotted Common Nightingale
Spotted Common Nightingale
+45
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Paula
Paula
2 weeks ago
Common Nightingale
Banyoles, Catalunya
Spotted Common Nightingale
Spotted Common Nightingale
+0
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Paula
Paula
2 weeks ago
Common Nightingale
Banyoles, Catalunya
Spotted Common Nightingale
Spotted Common Nightingale
+11
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