A comparison of the diurnal song of the Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) between the non-breeding season in The Gambia, West Africa and the breeding season in Europe

Abstract

Understanding the full annual song and life cycle of song birds contributes substantially to our understanding of song mechanisms and functions, as well as behavioural ecology and conservation. However, the singing and behaviour of song birds outside the breeding period have barely been studied; this is particularly true for long-distance migratory species. We analysed recordings of the song of Common Nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos) obtained from their non-breeding grounds in The Gambia, West Africa and compared these to their song during breeding in Central Europe. With regard to song patterns and singing style, we did not find an obligatory breakdown of song organization during non-breeding, but that the birds may sing a typical and recognizable breeding song, which varied on an individual basis. The duration of songs as well as their versatility did not differ between the two samples. However, we did find a difference in song type delivery, with more songs directly repeated during breeding as compared to non-breeding. These results support a practice function of song, but leave also room for additional interpretations such as a function in territorial interactions or as a ‘market place’ characteristic to adjust song repertoires and song sequencing among males sharing their breeding as well as non-breeding areas.