Nightingale
Luscinia megarhynchos
Length 16-17cm

Summer visitor to S and SE England, present from mid-April to August. Heard more easily than bird itself is seen. Famed for its powerful, musical song, which is delivered both by day and at night and is audible over long range. Has rich brown upperparts which contrast with chestnut-red lower back and tail; underparts pale grey-buff. Favours woodland with dense scrub layer and mature coppiced hazel; several neighbouring pairs usually found in suitable habitats.