Common Nightingale song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Common Nightingale, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

The song is exceptionally rich, varied, and powerful, often delivered with great volume and emotional intensity. It features a wide repertoire of whistles, trills, GÜTT-GÜTT-GÜTT calls, and crescendo phrases, particularly the characteristic 'churr-churr-churr' increasing in speed and intensity, often ending with a sudden, loud, fluty whistle. Known for singing both day and night, especially before dawn and after dusk. Each male has a vast and unique repertoire, which suggests song learning and cultural transmission.

Calls

Calls include a soft 'hweet' or 'huit' contact call, a harsh 'charr' when alarmed, and various 'tak-tak-tak' or 'tuc-tuc-tuc' notes resembling stones knocking together, often given when agitated or in interactions.

When they vocalize

Males sing most intensely from arrival in spring until incubation begins, often throughout the night, especially unmated males. During the day, singing is more sporadic but still occurs.

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