Nightingales

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, 24 April 2019
Nightingales
Nightingale © Roger Wilmshurst

by Charlotte Owen 

WildCall Officer

When it comes to birdsong, the nightingale is a world famous virtuoso with a voice so powerful, melodious and varied that few other species can match it. Countless poets, musicians and artists throughout history have been inspired by the nightingale’s song, and if you’ve never heard one singing – now’s your chance. 

Every year, these summer visitors make an incredible 3,000 mile journey from west Africa to the UK to breed, and Sussex is one of the best counties to listen out for them. Only the males sing and they usually arrive here in mid to late April, a few days ahead of migrating females.  They will pour forth their wonderful song throughout the day and night to defend their territory and attract a mate. Each male has an impressive repertoire of around 200 songs and will select different sequences and melodies depending on the time of day and the message he wishes to convey.  They will often sing quite relentlessly, and since the females migrate at night the males must continue singing long after dark to advertise their presence and attract a mate. This nocturnal activity gave rise to a popular myth that males would deliberately sit with their breast pressed against a sharp thorn to keep them awake, but in reality they probably take power naps throughout their singing marathon.  

Females will select a mate based on the quality of his musical performance, and research suggests that the more accomplished singers make better fathers.  The male plays a significant role in chick-rearing by feeding his mate while she incubates the eggs, bringing food for the hatchlings and defending the nest from predators, and studies have shown that males with a more ordered singing style and complex repertoire tend to feed their chicks more often, making them more desirable to females.

We’re lucky in Sussex to have a number of good nightingale spots, including Woods Mill, Ebernoe Common, Pulborough Brooks, Pagham Harbour and Abbots Wood.  Visit at dawn or dusk during May for the best chance of hearing males sing.

Nightingale singing at Ebernoe Common


film by Clare Blencowe

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Comments

  • Gerry Thompson:

    Hello. I wonder if nightingales are singing yet in Sussex, eg at Woods Mill or other reserves, or even at Knepp if you know about that? many thanks/ keep up the great work

    Answer: They are starting to be heard now yes, though not yet at Woods Mill (and they didn't arrive at all there last year). The best way to check for recent sightings is via the Sussex Ornitholgoical Society’s recent sightings page: https://www.sos.org.uk/recent-sightings

    14 Apr 2021 09:22:00

  • Julia Voce:

    We had a magical encounter with a Nightingale at Knepp last night.

    25 Apr 2021 07:59:00

  • Mrs Trudy R Redfern:

    Are there nightingales at Iping common or Woods Mill yet?

    ANSWER: Yes - they have been heard at a number of reserves, including Woods Mill, Ebernoe Common and Flatropers Wood

    14 May 2021 16:09:00

  • Mark FENTON:

    Thank you for this wonderful sanctuary you have made my day, saw you on Attenborough’s wonder of song.

    03 Jan 2022 19:32:00

  • John Meeks:

    I used to takes groups to Lullington Heath to listen to nightingales. Is this still a favourite breeding ground, or should I best look elsewhere?

    07 Aug 2025 12:49:00

  • Sussex Wildlife Trust:

    Populations across most of the Downs, including Lullington Heath, seem to have declined. A good local alternative would be Abbot's Wood (Arlington), where there are double figures of singing birds in spring. 

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