One of the 5 warblers on WAnimals

Birds · Passeriformes · Sylviidae

Sardinian Warbler

Curruca melanocephala

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The Sardinian warbler is one of the most abundant birds in the Mediterranean and probably the easiest warbler to see in Spain. The male has a glossy black cap that contrasts with a striking red eye-ring. It is resident and highly territorial: it gives itself away with a harsh, insistent rattle before it lets itself be seen. Unlike the Dartford warbler, it has adapted well to gardens and urban areas, and its population is expanding northwards.

Weight

11 g – 15 g

Size

13 cm – 14 cm

Lifespan

7 years

Diet

Insectivore

Feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

In pairs

Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

25countries68parks4same family

Fun facts

  • GeneralVery common in Iberian scrub; its call is a dry rattle.
  • Its alarm call is a dry, repeated rattle that sounds like a wooden ratchet: in Mediterranean scrub it is heard long before it is seen, and it is one of the most characteristic sounds of Spanish low scrubland.
  • It is spreading into northern Europe, apparently favoured by the warming climate, while its relative the Dartford warbler retreats.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type
Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment
Mediterranean scrub, kermes oak thickets and gardens
Sexual maturity
12 months
Gestation / incubation
13 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size
4 eggs

Sources consulted: https://www.iucnredlist.org/ | https://animaldiversity.org/ | https://es.wikipedia.org/

Where to watch it

Parques y spots de buceo donde se ha documentado esta especie — se muestran 10 de 68 documentados.

Related species

Other species in the catalogue with the most in common with Sardinian Warbler — same habitat, park, country, tags or family.

Keep exploring

Based on what we already know about sardinian warbler.

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