The common nightingale, rufous nightingale or simply nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos), is a small passerine bird which is best known for its powerful and beautiful song.
The term nightingale is also applied to other birds with rich songs, such as members of the neotropical nightingale thrush group, the Chinese nightingale (see Leiothrix), and, in the West Indies, the mockingbird.
The Nightingale’s rather ordinary appearance conceals a tremendous voice, which has been a favorite of birdwatchers for many centuries. The name nightingale tends to refer specifically to the common nightingale species of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presents Project Nightingale, a Coachbuild Collection. Defined by grand proportions and a uniquely silent open-top experience, it draws on the glamour and confidence of the 1920s and 1930s while remaining entirely of its time.
In areas of overlap, compare with extremely similar Thrush Nightingale; note present species’ unmarked pale underparts, often with a variable buffy wash, as well as its warmer-toned back and brighter rufous tail.
The nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos ) is a small passerine bird best known for its powerful and beautiful song. The song of this secretive bird has been described as one of the most beautiful sounds in nature, inspiring songs, fairy tales, opera, books, and a great deal of poetry.
Although somewhat plain compared to many other songbirds, the nightingale has been recognized by some form of its modern name for more than 1,000 years. From the Old English nihtegala, derived from the words for “night” and “to sing,” the nightingale owes its name to its virtuosic nocturnal song.
Discover the beauty and mystery of the Common Nightingale. Learn about its incredible song, habits, migration, and cultural significance in this complete guide.