Scientist
Nightingales practise new songs in winter to impress mates in spring
By Chelsea Whyte Adult nightingales can learn new songsKostya Pazyuk/AlamyIt turns out you can teach an old bird new songs. Adult thrush nightingales have been observed learning new songs in their wintering grounds, just as they did as young birds. The new melodies may help them impress mates when the spring breeding season arrives. Thrush…
Kostya Pazyuk/Alamy
It turns out you can teach an old bird new songs. Adult thrush nightingales have been observed learning new songs in their wintering grounds, just as they did as young birds. The new melodies may help them impress mates when the spring breeding season arrives.
Thrush nightingales breed in northern Europe and undertake a lengthy migration to sub-Saharan Africa, where they spend the winter. In Europe, their songs are used to defend territory and attract mates – but it was unclear why they continued to sing in the wintering grounds.
“The birds …
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