Common Nightingale, Ruiseñor común

Description:

Small passerine bird (15–16.5 cm) that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher, Muscicapidae. It is plain brown above except for the reddish tail. It is buff to white below. Sexes are similar. It is a migratory insectivorous species breeding in forest and scrub in Europe and south-west Asia. It nests on the ground within or next to dense bushes. It winters in southern Africa. They frequently sing at night as well as during the day. The song is loud, with an impressive range of whistles, trills and gurgles. Its song is particularly noticeable at night because few other birds are singing. Only unpaired males sing regularly at night, and nocturnal song is likely to serve to attract a mate. Nightingales sing even more loudly in urban or near-urban environments, in order to overcome the background noise. The most characteristic feature of the song is a loud whistling crescendo. It has a frog-like alarm call. The song of the Nightingale has been described as one of the most beautiful sounds in nature, inspiring songs, fairy tales, opera, books, and a great deal of poetry.

Habitat:

Small brook banks

Notes:

Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/640 sec.; f/13; ISO Speed Rating: 400. Exposure Bias: +1 EV. Focal Length: 300.0 mm.