Subalpine Warbler

Least Concern

Curruca cantillans

This vibrant songbird flits through Mediterranean scrublands, its ruby-red breast a striking contrast to the muted olive foliage.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Subalpine Warbler is a small, elegant bird with distinct sexual dimorphism. Males display a striking blue-grey upper body, contrasting white moustachial stripes, and rich chestnut-red underparts. Their eyes are accentuated by a prominent red eye ring.

Females are more subdued, with brown-grey upperparts and pale buff underparts. Both sexes have dark legs and a fine, pointed black bill. Juveniles resemble females but with duller plumage.

Size

Length

11cm to 12.5cm

Wingspan

15cm to 19cm

Weight

9g to 12g

Colours

Primary Colour

Grey White

Secondary Colour

Red Brown

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Brown

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Subalpine Warblers inhabit Mediterranean scrubland, maquis, and open woodland with dense undergrowth. Their breeding range extends across southern Europe, from Portugal to Greece, including parts of North Africa.

During winter, they migrate to sub-Saharan Africa. Occasional vagrants are spotted in the UK, particularly in spring, making them an exciting find for British birdwatchers.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,200 meters

Climate zones

Mediterranean, Temperate

Distribution Map

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Resident
Breeding
Non-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 20
Adaptability 75
Aggressiveness 40
Endurance 70

Diet

The Subalpine Warbler primarily feeds on small insects and spiders, which it gleans from leaves and branches.

During autumn, they supplement their diet with small berries and fruits, especially before migration, to build up fat reserves.

Behaviour

Subalpine Warblers are active and agile, constantly flitting through dense vegetation in search of insects. They often hover briefly while foraging, a behaviour that distinguishes them from other warblers.

During the breeding season, males become territorial and perform display flights to attract mates.

Vocalisation

The Subalpine Warbler's song is a rapid, rattling trill, often described as 'trrrrrrt-trrrrrrt'. Their call is a soft 'tac' or 'tchac'.

Males sing persistently during the breeding season, often from exposed perches to defend territory and attract mates.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding occurs from April to July, with males establishing territories through song and display flights. Pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.

The female constructs a cup-shaped nest low in dense shrubs, using grasses, spider webs, and plant down. She typically lays 3-5 eggs, which are pale with brown speckles.

Incubation lasts about 12 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 11-12 days but remain dependent on adults for another two weeks.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 3 - 5 years
0
2
4
5
7

years

The Subalpine Warbler typically lives for 3 to 5 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 currently listed as Least Concern, the Subalpine Warbler faces threats from habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and climate change.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving Mediterranean scrubland habitats and monitoring population trends across its range.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Not been quantified since the species was split

Global Population Trend

Increasing[2]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for quick movements in low shrubs and bushes
  • Listen for their distinctive rattling call
  • Observe during spring migration in coastal areas
  • Pay attention to the male's bright red eye ring for identification

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Sylvia cantillans

Family:

Sylviidae

Predators

Main predators include sparrowhawks, shrikes, and domestic cats in areas close to human habitation.

Did You Know?

  1. Subalpine Warblers can raise two broods in a single breeding season.
  2. They are one of the smallest warblers in Europe.
  3. Some individuals have been recorded living up to 7 years in the wild.

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References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2019. Sylvia cantillans (amended version of 2018 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T103874024A155622649.

    View source
  2. 2

    report, 2015: EBCC