Sardinian Warbler
Curruca melanocephala
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Sardinian Warbler is a small, active bird with distinct sexual dimorphism. Males feature a striking black cap and throat contrasting with slate-grey upperparts and white underparts. Their red eye-ring stands out against the dark plumage.
Outside of the breeding season, males become duller, with the upperparts an olive-grey and the black head becoming less rich in colour.
Females are more subdued, with brown-grey upperparts and a pale throat. Both sexes have dark tails with white outer edges, visible in flight. Juveniles resemble females but with duller overall colouration.
Size
Length
13cm to 14cm
Wingspan
15cm to 18cm
Weight
10g to 15g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
The Sardinian Warbler is primarily found in Mediterranean regions, including southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. It thrives in maquis scrubland, garrigue, and other dense, low vegetation typical of Mediterranean climates.
While mainly sedentary, some populations undertake short-distance migrations. In recent years, occasional sightings have been reported in southern England, possibly due to climate change expanding their range northward.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,500 meters
Climate zones
Mediterranean, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Sardinian 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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird 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
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Sardinian Warbler displays remarkable agility, being described as lively and restless. Their ability to flit through dense vegetation, often hanging upside down to glean prey, demonstrates exceptional manoeuvrability and dexterity.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small bird weighing only 10-15 grams, the Sardinian Warbler's strength is limited. However, they possess sufficient strength for their size to defend territories and forage actively in shrubs and low trees.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These warblers show good adaptability, thriving in various Mediterranean habitats from sea level to 1,500 metres. Their ability to live in urban gardens and potentially expand their range northward due to climate change indicates flexibility in adapting to new environments.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Sardinian Warblers exhibit moderate aggressiveness, particularly during breeding season. Males vigorously defend territories through song and displays, and both sexes produce harsh, scolding calls when agitated, suggesting a reasonably assertive nature.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
While not long-distance migrants, Sardinian Warblers display good endurance for their size. Their active foraging behaviour, ability to raise multiple broods per season, and capacity for short-distance migrations indicate above-average stamina for a small passerine.
Diet
Sardinian Warblers primarily feed on insects, including beetles, caterpillars, and flies. They supplement their diet with small berries and fruits, especially in autumn and winter, particularly buckthorn, figs, blackberries, and olives.
These birds forage actively in dense vegetation, often hanging upside down to glean prey from the undersides of leaves.
Behaviour
Sardinian Warblers are lively and restless, often seen flitting through dense vegetation with their tails cocked. They forage actively in shrubs and low trees, gleaning insects from leaves and branches.
These birds are territorial, with males vigorously defending their areas through song and displays, especially during breeding season.
Vocalisation
The Sardinian Warbler's song is a rapid, scratchy warble, often described as a 'rattling' sound, lasting for between 2 and 5 seconds. Males sing from exposed perches, especially during breeding season.
Their alarm call is a sharp, repeated 'tack-tack-tack'. When agitated, they produce a harsh, scolding 'chrrrr' sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Sardinian Warblers typically spans from March to July. Males establish territories and attract females with song and display flights. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season.
The nest is a neat cup of grass, plant fibres, and spider webs, usually placed low in dense shrubs. Females lay 3-5 eggs, which are pale with brown speckles.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 12-14 days. Nestlings fledge after 11-12 days but remain dependent on parents for another 2-3 weeks. Pairs often raise two broods per season.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Sardinian Warbler is listed as Least Concern due to its large range and stable population, it faces localised threats from habitat loss and degradation. Climate change may affect its distribution, potentially expanding its range northward.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving Mediterranean scrubland habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for movement in dense Mediterranean scrub and low vegetation
- Listen for their distinctive rattling call, often given from exposed perches
- Watch for the male's conspicuous black cap and throat
- Observe their quick, darting movements as they forage
- In the UK, check coastal areas in southern England for rare sightings
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include domestic cats, small raptors like sparrowhawks, and corvids such as jays and magpies. Snakes and small mammals may prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Sardinian Warblers can raise their black cap feathers into a small crest when excited or alarmed.
- They are one of the few warbler species that regularly occur in urban gardens within their range.
- Despite their name, they are found across much of the Mediterranean, not just in Sardinia.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Sylvia melanocephala. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22716959A132113832.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
- 4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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