Photo ©2012– Chris Romeiks
Click any photo for a larger image
Photo ©2021 Charles J Sharp
Recording ©2023 David Darrell-Lambert
Photo ©2012– Chris Romeiks
Click any photo for a larger image
Photo ©2021 Charles J Sharp
Recording ©2023 David Darrell-Lambert
Blackcap - Sylvia atricapilla
Family - Sylviidae
Also known as - Coal hoodie, Jack straw
The Blackcap is a small widespread passerine bird commonly found across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Western Asia. It is typically around 14-15cm (5.5-6in) in length. Adult males have a distinct black cap on its head, from which it derives the common name of "Blackcap", remaining plumage is greyish olive-brown with a pale underside and a slightly darker back. Adult females are very similar to the male but have a brown cap, overall coloration is similar to the male but is more subdued. Juveniles are a brownish colouration with no distinct cap, making them more drab than adults.
Breeding typically in mature deciduous woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens. In the winter they migrate south, some traveling as far as North Africa, however some have adapted to overwintering in the UK, where they are increasingly becoming resident birds. Blackcaps feed mainly on insects, spiders, and berries but during the winter they change to a diet that is richer in fruits and seeds, garden birds also eat bread, fat and peanuts in winter. Their song is rich and melodious and can have regional variations, they often sing from an elevated perch. Blackcaps are territorial during the breeding season, with males singing to defend their territory and attract mates. The nest is built low in brambles or scrub, with a clutch of typically 4–6 mainly buff eggs, hatching in about 11 days, fledging in 11–12 days. Juveniles are cared for by both adults for some time after leaving the nest.
Their IUCN status is a species of least concern due to its wide distribution and relatively stable population, however climate change and habitat destruction can still impact their numbers, particularly in regions where suitable breeding habitats are being lost.
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