Thrush nightingale

The thrush nightingale, also known as the sprosser, is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It is a migratory species breeding in forests in Europe and the Palearctic and overwintering in Africa. An insectivore, it nests near the ground in dense undergrowth. Its distribution is more northerly than the very closely related common nightingale, which it closely resembles in appearance. Hybrids between the two have occurred in areas where their ranges overlap.

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Distribution

Region

Western Palearctic (breeding) and East Africa (wintering)

Typical Environment

Breeds from northern and eastern Europe through western Siberia, favoring damp thickets, alder carr, willow scrub, and dense undergrowth near water. During migration it uses shrubby edges, riparian corridors, and woodland clearings. In winter it occurs in East African lowlands, especially in riverine scrub, coastal bush, and secondary growth. It avoids open habitats and typically stays close to cover.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size15–17 cm

Wing Span23–26 cm

Male Weight0.024 kg

Female Weight0.022 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the sprosser, the thrush nightingale is a shy understory specialist with a powerful, rich song. It breeds across northern and eastern Europe into western Siberia and winters in East Africa. It prefers damp thickets and nests low to the ground in dense vegetation. It closely resembles the common nightingale but has a darker, more uniform tail and a more rattling, buzzing song.

Gallery

A singing male above and a juvenile below

The sonograms of the thrush nightingale (L. luscinia) and the common nightingale (L. megarhynchos) singing help to distinguish these two species by voice definitely.

In Poland

Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden, Germany

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and secretive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats through cover; strong, direct flights on migration

Social Behavior

Breeds singly with males holding territories and singing from concealed perches. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation, often near the ground. Clutches typically contain 4–5 eggs, and both parents care for the young.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

Song is loud, rich, and melodious with powerful whistles interspersed with harsh rattles and buzzing trills. Phrases are repeated with emphatic, mechanical-sounding elements and long pauses, often delivered at dusk and during the night.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Thrush-like wren

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Thyolo alethe

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Tibetan blackbird

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Tibetan eared pheasant

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