Nightingale Press header graphicIn spite of their name, and contrary to popular belief, nightingales are as likely to be heard singing by day as by night. Their virtuoso performances are best heard in the stillness of a warm evening in late spring, when the mates compete to attract females arriving from the wintering grounds in tropical Africa. Recognition: an April-August visitor with brown plumage; rather like a large warbler, with red-brown tail and grey-brown underparts; whitish throat; sexes alike. Recognition: an April-August visitor with brown plumage; rather like a large warbler, with red-brown tail and grey-brown underparts; whitish throat; sexes alike. Nesting: Female builds nest of dead leaves lined with grass and hair, on or close to the ground; lays May; usually 5 eggs, olive-green or dark olive; incubation about 14 days, by female only; nestlings, tended by both parents, leave at about 11 or 12 days. Feeding: Mainly ground insects; also earthworms, spiders, some berries.