Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Common Nightingale
Let us learn about the Bird that is feisty as they hunt during their flight but also are romantic singers.
With the pale brown attire,
I will give you my glimpse.
My Whistle call will alert you,
That I make with my Syrinx.
(Syrinx is a Vocal Organ)
Name – Common Nightingale
Scientific Name– Luscinia megarhynchos
Size – 17cm.
Location –
In the dense thicket or bushes, you will hear a melodious Bird call. Once you track this bird, you will see it has Pale brown upperparts, and buff to white in the Belly region. It hops in the Dense vegetation with its reddish tail and Orange Beak. The regions where you will find the melodious Nightingale in Europe and Africa. These birds migrate to Africa in the Mating season.
How does Common Nightingale call out so melodious?
Nightingale comes in the category of the Song Birds. Songbirds are differentiated from other Birds with the large Vocal (sound) organ they possessed. This sound organ is known as ‘Syrinx’. Unlike other Birds, Nightingales and different songbirds have the control over Right half as well as the left half of the syrinx. The Air flows inside the different muscles in the syrinx, and these birds have control over the vibrations and movements of those muscles. In this way, they can create different tunes.
Food of Nightingales-
Nightingales are the Omnivorous Birds. They can eat Fruits as well as hunt Insects. These Insectivores birds catch Beetles, Ants, Spiders, Insect Larvae, worms, etc.
How does this Songbird sing a ballad to attract a mate?
Nightingales are Solitary birds. They are on their own, besides mating season. Mating season is the big season of hustle for Male Nightingales. They feed vigorously during the day to get themselves prepared for a singing session of Whistles at night. These Whistles help them to defend to maintain their territory and to attract Females. Larger the Repertoire, the high chances to attract the Female.
Nesting of the Nightingale.
The Breeding and Nesting season is from Mid March to May. These Birds are monogamous. The nest is built by the Females with Twigs, Dried Leaves and Grass. The female lays 4-5 eggs after incubation for 13-14 days. The chicks are ‘Altricial’, they need assistance in every activity and protection as they are very delicate. Both parents handle these roles until the chicks are fully grown and set to fledge within 11-13 days.
Nightingale’s role in Ecosystem –
Nightingales are the pest controllers. They control the overgrowth of Insects in the Trees. They even hunt small insect larvae.
Also See ⇒ Barn swallow