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Latin name

Sylvia atricapilla

Family

Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)

Overview

A 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 them

Best looked for in woodland, parks and gardens with plenty of trees and shrubs. In winter will readily come into gardens.

When to see them

Breeding birds arrive in April and May, leaving in September and October. Some European birds winter in the UK, largely in England.

What they eat

Insects 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

In the UK

All UK except Northern and Western Isles of Scotland

In Europe

All except far north

Worldwide

Europe, Asia and Africa

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

• Videos

Audio 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)

2 illustrations 12

Male

Female

Similar birds

Garden warbler