The NIGHTINGALE (_Luscinia Philomela_)--see Coloured Plate XVIII.--as the
species so familiar to us all is called, is reddish grey upon the upper
part of the body, the top of the head and the back being of a deeper
shade; the under side is light yellowish grey, palest on the throat and
near the centre of the breast; the inner webs of the quills are dark
brown, and the tail-feathers brownish red. The eye is also brownish
red, and the beak and feet reddish grey. In the young birds some of the
feathers on the back have light yellow spots on the shafts, and are
edged with pale black, thus giving the plumage a speckled appearance.
The length of this bird is six inches and a half, and its breadth nine
inches and two-thirds; the wing measures three and the tail two inches
and three-quarters. The female is slightly smaller than her mate.
This Nightingale is met with over the whole continent of Europe, from
Sweden to the Mediterranean, and over a large portion of Central Asia, as
far north as the middle of Siberia; it also visits North-western Africa
in the course of its migrations. Central Europe, Turkey, and Asia Minor
possess a very similar species (_Luscinia major_), although, as its name
indicates, larger and stronger than that above described, from which it
is also distinguished by the shortness of the first wing-quill, and the
markings that adorn the breast. Both these vocalists are much alike in
their habits and general demeanour, but are readily identified by the
peculiarities that characterise their song. Woods, groves, and leafy
forests in the immediate vicinity of water afford the favourite retreats
of these "most musical, most melancholy" songsters; in such localities
they live, each pair within its own especial domain, which, although
small, is jealously guarded, and boldly defended from all intrusion. The
larger species would seem to prefer low-lying districts, but its more
celebrated relative, according to Tschudi, is met with in Switzerland
and Spain, at an altitude of from 3,000 to 5,000 feet above the sea, if
trees and brushwood be there attainable. Some parts of Southern Europe
are especially frequented by these delightful birds; Spain in particular
is extremely fortunate in this respect; and in certain districts their
enchanting voices are heard from every bush and hedge. The declivities
of Sierra Morena may be literally described as an extensive "nightingale
garden;" and those who, like ourselves, have been so fortunate as to
spend a spring morning on Montserrat, or an evening within the walls of
the ruined Alhambra, must own that they have enjoyed a concert of sweet
sounds that could not be surpassed. For our own part, as we listened to
a hundred thrilling voices combining in the performance of their vesper
hymn, we were ready to exclaim, with good old Izaak Walton, "Lord, what
psalmody hast thou provided for thy saints in heaven, when thou affordest
bad men such music on earth!" The general demeanour of the Nightingale is
eminently reserved and dignified, and would appear to indicate that it
was fully conscious of the admiration it can command. Even when hopping
over the ground, it preserves a certain air of stateliness, as it springs
from spot to spot, with body erect and tail upraised, pausing for a
moment before every fresh effort. Whilst perching in the trees, also, the
tail is elevated, but the wings are allowed to droop. Should the bird
desire to pass from one branch to another, it accomplishes its object
by one active leap, and rarely condescends to amuse itself by jumping
from twig to twig. The flight of the Nightingale is undulatory, but
though light and rapid, it is rarely sustained beyond a short distance:
that these birds, however, are capable of great exertion whilst on the
wing must be evident to all who have witnessed the endeavours of two
contending rivals to drive each other from the field.
[Illustration: _Plate 18. Cassell's Book of Birds_