Curruca cantillans
Subalpine Warbler
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.
Length
11cm to 12.5cm
Wingspan
15cm to 19cm
Weight
9g to 12g
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 2,200 meters
Mediterranean, Temperate
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Global Population Estimate
Not been quantified since the species was split
Global Population Trend
Sylvia cantillans
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website: BirdLife International. 2019. Sylvia cantillans (amended version of 2018 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T103874024A155622649.
View sourcereport, 2015: EBCC