Dartford Warbler Bird Facts (Curruca undata)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Dartford Warbler is a small, long-tailed warbler with distinctive dark grey upperparts and wine-red underparts. It has a slender build, with a relatively long tail often held cocked. The bird's red eye ring contrasts sharply with its dark plumage.

Males are more brightly coloured than females, with deeper red underparts and darker grey backs. Juveniles resemble females but have duller plumage overall, lacking the adult's red eye ring.

Size

Length

12cm to 13cm

Wingspan

15cm to 18cm

Weight

9g to 12g

Colours

Male Female

Primary Colour

Grey Brown

Secondary Colour

Red

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Brown

Primary Colour (Female)

Grey Brown

Secondary Colour (Female)

Red

Beak Colour (Female)

Black

Leg Colour (Female)

Brown

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Dartford Warbler can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Dartford Warbler is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Dartford Warbler is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Dartford Warbler can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Dartford Warbler is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Dartford Warbler is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Dartford Warbler is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Dartford Warbler is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Dartford Warbler is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Dartford Warbler is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Dartford Warbler is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Dartford Warbler is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Dartford Warblers inhabit lowland heaths, coastal gorse, and scrubland areas across western Europe and northwest Africa. They prefer areas with a mix of gorse, heather, and scattered trees.

They are mainly found in the UK in southern England, with strongholds in counties like Dorset, Hampshire, and Surrey. Their sensitivity to cold winters limits their distribution, restricting their northern range.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Mediterranean, Temperate

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Dartford Warbler. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Non-breeding

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Algeria Andorra France Italy Montenegro Morocco Portugal Serbia Spain The United Kingdom Tunisia

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

Gibraltar Malta

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Belgium Croatia Czechia Germany Greece Ireland Libya Netherlands Sweden Switzerland Turkey

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Dartford Warbler displays remarkable agility, being described as active and restless. Their ability to flit rapidly through dense vegetation and perform song flights demonstrates high manoeuvrability and quick reflexes.

Strength 30

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As a small warbler weighing only 9-12 grams, the Dartford Warbler has limited physical strength. However, they are capable of building nests and foraging effectively, indicating a moderate level of strength for their size.

Adaptability 70

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Dartford Warblers show good adaptability by surviving year-round in the UK, unlike many other warblers. Their ability to collect dew when water is scarce and inhabit various scrubland environments from sea level to 1,800 metres demonstrates adaptability, though they remain vulnerable to harsh winters.

Aggressiveness 55

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

While not overtly aggressive, male Dartford Warblers display territorial behaviour during breeding season, performing song flights and singing from prominent perches. This suggests a moderate level of assertiveness in defending their territory and attracting mates.

Endurance 60

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Dartford Warblers exhibit decent endurance as year-round residents in the UK, withstanding varying weather conditions. Their active foraging behaviour and ability to produce two broods per season indicate good stamina. However, their vulnerability to harsh winters suggests limitations in extreme conditions.

Diet

Dartford Warblers primarily feed on small insects and spiders found in heathland vegetation. They forage actively among gorse and heather, gleaning prey from leaves and branches. During autumn and winter, they may supplement their diet with small berries.

Behaviour

Dartford Warblers are active and restless birds, often seen flitting rapidly through dense vegetation. They have a characteristic habit of cocking their long tails while perched.

These birds are typically secretive but may become more visible during the breeding season when males perform song flights.

Vocalisation

The Dartford Warbler's song is a distinctive, scratchy warble, often described as a rapid 'churr-churr-churr'. Their call is a sharp, metallic 'chat' or 'tack'. Males frequently sing during the breeding season, often from exposed perches or during short flight displays.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding occurs from April to July, with pairs often producing two broods per season. Males perform display flights and sing from prominent perches to attract mates.

Nests are well-concealed, cup-shaped structures built low in dense gorse or heather. Females typically lay 3-4 eggs, which are white or pale green with brown speckles.

Both parents incubate the eggs for about 12-14 days. Chicks fledge after 10-14 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Near Threatened ^[1]

The Dartford Warbler is classified as Near Threatened due to its vulnerability to harsh winters and habitat loss.

Conservation efforts focus on maintaining and restoring heathland habitats, particularly in southern England where the species has its northernmost breeding range.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

1,400,000 - 3,400,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

Look for movement in low, dense vegetation in heathland areas
Listen for their distinctive scratchy song, especially in spring
Be patient, as they often stay hidden in gorse or heather
Visit known breeding sites in southern England for the best chances of spotting them
Use binoculars to spot their red eye-ring, a key identifying feature

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Provençal Warbler

Family:

Sylviidae

Average Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Predators

Main predators include domestic cats, Eurasian Sparrowhawks, and Eurasian Jays.

Did You Know?

Dartford Warblers are one of the few warbler species that do not migrate from the UK in winter.
They were first discovered in England near Dartford, Kent, hence their common name.
These birds can survive on dew collected from vegetation when water is scarce.