If understanding what this bird likes to eat is the key to everything, then what does a nightingale like to eat? Nightingales eat insects. Easy then, we invest in bird feeder plans and create a suet feeder or buy one. Don’t jump to conclusions because the nightingale likes sunflower seeds, grapes and fruit in addition to suet.

So I think we created a suet feeder with suet in the middle, sunflower seeds in the tray, and a piece of fruit put in the measure. Small pieces of bread on the ground work too. My grandfather and I did that when I was just a little girl.

My recommendation is to do exactly what was just suggested and then do these things as well. This bird wants water as much as it does food, so you can get the best results if you also place a birdbath nearby and shelter it near some foliage. These birds are not so relaxed outdoors and choose dense bushes and trees for a sense of security. Although they mimic other birds, nightingales need their space and are easily startled by other birds and animals that would eat their food or be a threat to them. See our post, “How to Keep Bugs Out of Your Bird Feeders,” on our website, Bird-feeder-plans.org.

These birds also come in pairs and will build a nest together in nearby dense bushes. Nightingales lay small bluish-green eggs and will proudly protect the eggs and their young. Mockingbirds, like blue jays, will dive into bomb cats if they come near the nest. They will also bomb people.

These birds are starting to sound like more trouble than they are worth, but I can assure you that they are worth it. They are not migratory birds, so once they have chosen your garden, and assuming you have taken good care of them, you will have company that you will really enjoy.

Although they are perfectly capable of singing their own songs, you will be amazed every time you hear them imitate other birds and sometimes even other sounds they hear. Sometimes they will even sing all night. I also know from my childhood. In those days, houses in South Florida were rarely built with heaters, let alone air conditioning, so the windows were open all the time. I can still remember waking up to all the noises the birds were making and I must confess that my exasperation with them was high when they woke me up from a deep sleep. However, the air conditioning has sweetened me, and now I love listening to them in the mornings while enjoying my first cup of coffee on the back porch.