The unassuming songster that transforms British gardens into a symphony of melodies each spring.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Garden Warbler is a small, plain songbird with an overall dull brown-grey plumage. It has a slightly paler underside and a faint pale eye-ring, which can be difficult to see in the field. The bird lacks any distinctive markings or patterns.

Males and females are virtually identical in appearance. Juveniles closely resemble adults but may have a slightly warmer brown tone to their plumage. There are no significant seasonal plumage changes in this species.

Size

Length

14cm to 15cm

Wingspan

22cm to 24cm

Weight

16g to 22g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown Grey

Secondary Colour

Buff White

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Garden Warblers breed across much of Europe and western Asia, favouring deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and dense scrubland. They also inhabit parks and mature gardens with sufficient cover. They are widespread but patchily distributed in the UK, being more common in southern and eastern regions.

During winter, these birds migrate to sub-Saharan Africa, occupying a range of wooded and scrub habitats. Their distribution spans from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to South Africa, showcasing their remarkable long-distance migration capabilities.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,300 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

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Resident
Breeding
Passage
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 30
Adaptability 90
Aggressiveness 40
Endurance 95

Diet

Garden Warblers are primarily insectivorous during the breeding season, feeding on various insects and their larvae. Aphids, flies, beetles, and caterpillars are all key prey items.

Later in the year, they supplement their diet with berries and small fruits, especially during autumn migration. These birds gorge on elderberries and other soft fruits to build up fat reserves for their long migratory journeys.

Behaviour

Garden Warblers are known for their skulking behaviour, often staying hidden within dense vegetation. They forage actively among leaves and branches, gleaning insects with quick, precise movements.

During the breeding season, males become more visible as they sing from exposed perches to defend territories and attract mates.

Vocalisation

What they lack in distinctive visual appearance, Garden Warblers more than compensate in musical ability.

The song is a rich, melodious warble lasting up to 5 seconds. It consists of a series of sweet, fluty notes that rise and fall in pitch, often described as 'bubbling' or 'liquid'.

Their call is a soft, low 'tack' or 'chek'. During migration, they may give a quiet, scratchy subsong. Some mimicry also occurs.

Nesting & Breeding

Garden Warblers form monogamous pairs each breeding season, typically from May to July in Europe. Males establish territories and attract females with their rich, melodic songs.

The female builds a cup-shaped nest low in dense vegetation, often in brambles or nettles. The nest is constructed of grass stems and leaves lined with finer materials. A clutch of 4-5 eggs is laid, which are creamy-white with brown speckles.

Both parents incubate the eggs for about 11-12 days. The chicks are altricial and fledge after 9-12 days, but the parents continue to feed them for another two weeks. Some pairs may attempt a second brood if conditions are favourable.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 5 - 8 years
0
3
5
8
10

years

The Garden Warbler typically lives for 5 to 8 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While the Garden Warbler is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss in both breeding and wintering grounds. Climate change may also affect its migration patterns and breeding success.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving diverse woodland habitats and reducing the use of pesticides in agricultural areas.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

41,000,000 - 67,999,999 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[3]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Listen for their melodious, flute-like song in woodland edges and gardens
  • Look for movement in dense foliage, especially in the lower to middle levels of vegetation
  • Observe feeding behaviour on fruit trees during late summer and early autumn
  • In the UK, watch for them in hedgerows and scrubland from April to September

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

European Garden Warbler

Family:

Sylviidae

Predators

Garden Warblers are preyed upon by various birds of prey, including Sparrowhawks and Hobbies. Ground predators such as cats, stoats, and weasels may also target nests and fledglings.

Did You Know?

  1. Garden Warblers can increase their body weight by up to 65% before migration.
  2. Despite their name, they are more commonly found in woodlands than gardens.
  3. They are one of the latest spring migrants to arrive in Europe, often not appearing until May.

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References

  1. 1 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2017. Sylvia borin (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22716906A111812037.

    View source
  2. 3

    report, 2015: EBCC