Sylvia undata
Near Threatened
Known for its distinctive melodic call, the Dartford Warbler is a charismatic bird that makes its home in the heathlands of Western Europe. Its striking grey and red plumage combined with a resilient, non-migratory nature make this small bird a symbol of the enduring beauty of its native habitat.
Males and females have similar plumage
Grey
Brown
Brown, White
Black
Grey
Brown
Short
Black
Black
Brown
Dark Brown
Reddish-brown underparts, grey blueish upperparts, reddish eye-ring
Less pronounced than adults
Long and dark
Shorter than adults
12cm to 13cm
Length
13cm to 18cm
Wingspan
7g to 11g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
A rapid, scratchy warble
A mixture of churrs, whistles and trills
A harsh, rasping 'churr'
Active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk
Territorial and often seen in pairs
Defends territory with song and display flights
Non-migrant with short movements
Generally solitary, but may form loose flocks in winter
Insects, Spiders
Feeds on insects in gorse and heather
Throughout the day
Active hunting, often hovering to pick insects from plants
May eat berries in winter
None known
Low in gorse or heather
Dome of grass and moss, lined with feathers
Mid March to August
Up to three, but mainly two
White, or sometimes pale green with small brown spots
Approximately 1.5cm x 2cm
3-6 eggs, mainly 4-5
Around 12 days
Approximately 2 weeks
Both parents incubate eggs and feed chicks - female takes largest share of incubating
Western Europe, especially UK and Spain
Heathland with gorse and heather
Sea level to 2000m
Non-migrant with short movements
Heathland
Temperate
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Resident or Present
Non-breeding
Vagrant
2
5
2 year(s)
1 year(s)
1 year(s)
Monogamous, with pair bonds lasting a year
None known
Near Threatened (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss due to urban development and changes in farming practices
Habitat protection and management schemes in place
Population decreasing, vulnerable to severe winters
Other names:
Furze Wren
Family:
SylviidaePopulation size:
1400000-3400000
Population trend:
Decreasing
Conservation status:
Near Threatened
IUCN Red List
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