Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)

OTHER NAMES: Blackcap, Mock Nightingale

Latin Etymology: Sylvia ("woodland sprite") atricapilla ("black-haired")

Adult male Blackcap (subspecies S. a. atricapilla) in Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire - April 2022

Featured Subspecies: Sylvia atricapilla atricapilla
Weight: 16-25g  /  Length: 13cm  /  Wingspan: 20-23cm

UK GREEN LIST / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The blackcap is one of the UK's commoner warblers, and unlike a number of the others it can be found with relative ease throughout the year. It is also one of the easiest to identify - unlike most warblers the male blackcap is actually pale grey rather than the generic brown, and it's namesake black cap can make it look at distance as much like a marsh or willow tit as a warbler. IT can be a bit skulking at times so getting a clear shot isn't always easy.

Further Information:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sylviidae
Genus: Sylvia
Subspecies: S. a. atricapilla, S. a. dammholzi, S. a. paulucii, S. a. heineken, S. a. gularis

- Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - Common breeding species (1,200,000 pairs) and scarce Wintering species (approx. 3000 birds)

 - Birds seen at various sites including Rutland Water, Rainham Marshes, Geddington and Wooler

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto