How to identify

Nightingales are slightly larger than Robins, with a robust, broad-tailed, rather plain brown appearance. They are secretive birds and extremely local in their distribution in the UK, while in much of southern Europe they are common and more easily seen. They are known for their melodic song, with a fast succession of high, low and rich notes that few other species can match.

Call

Nightingale

Mathias Ritschard / xeno-canto

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Where best to see them

Key facts