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Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameSylvia atricapilla FamilyWarblers and allies (Sylviidae) OverviewA distinctive greyish warbler, the male has a black cap, and the female a chestnut one. Its delightful fluting song has earned it the name 'northern nightingale'. Although primarily a summer visitor birds from Germany and north-east Europe are increasingly spending the winter in the UK. Where to see themBest looked for in woodland, parks and gardens with plenty of trees and shrubs. In winter will readily come into gardens. When to see themBreeding birds arrive in April and May, leaving in September and October. Some European birds winter in the UK, largely in England. What they eatInsects and berries. Estimated numbers
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Find out moreAudio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |
 Male  Female Similar birdsHelp the BlackcapThe RSPB is working for a better environment for birds and people. Join today and add your voice. |
RSPB Ynys-hir reserve - view through trees towards river - D Purslow (rspb-images.com, Ref: 6297000_00001_000 )
Male blackcap singing - Steve Round
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)