Subalpine Warbler

Curruca cantillans

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

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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

Male Female

Primary Colour

Grey White

Secondary Colour

Red Brown

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Brown

Primary Colour (Female)

Brown Grey

Secondary Colour (Female)

White

Beak Colour (Female)

Black

Leg Colour (Female)

Brown

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Subalpine Warbler can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Subalpine Warbler is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Subalpine Warbler is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Subalpine Warbler is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Subalpine Warbler is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Subalpine Warbler is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Subalpine Warbler can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Subalpine Warbler is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Subalpine Warbler is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Subalpine Warbler is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Subalpine Warbler can be found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Subalpine Warbler is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Subalpine 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