SOFTBILLS
SOFTBILL breeder Gary Bralsford writes: Having known Lou for a few years, it came as no surprise that he had success in establishing the European nightingale. This species is now quite rare in UK aviculture and as a migrant bird it has declined too. Loss of suitable habitat is thought to be partly to blame. I don't know of many UK softbill keepers who specialise in this species now, though you do see the odd advertisement.
Lou's account here tells of his original attraction to this lovely bird. Success in fact came later and is another story. He still currently has a pair of them in his brilliant collection of small softbills.
■ The European nightingale () is now assigned by most taxonomists to the, in German).
