Species: Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)
Family: Old World Warblers (SYLVIIDAE)
Category: Birds
Location: SW
A. Birds
More extensive information on birds can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Old World Warblers (SYLVIIDAE)
Most warblers in Europe and Asia are migratory, leaving their northern breeding grounds for the winter months to find insects in the warmer south. Most migration occurs at night, and birds will put on substantial fat reserves before undertaking these long journeys; it is not unknown for birds to double their body weight with fat in preparation. However, as climates change, this pattern of migration is evolving with birds not moving so far south, and a few individuals even overwintering on their breeding grounds. In Britain, increased garden feeding is also encouraging Blackcaps to spend the winter here.
C. Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)
The Blackcap is a grey warbler, easily identified by its distinctive cap. Males have black caps (as the name suggests), while the female’s cap is chestnut brown. Juvenile males also have a brown cap. They have thin, dark-coloured beaks and brownish-grey wings. They are a similar size to robins, measuring around 13cm in length and weighing in at around 21g.
Images
Blackcap
The Blackcap's delightful fluting song has earned it the name 'northern nightingale'.
Blackcap
The Blackcap is a grey warbler, easily identified by its distinctive cap.
