Sardinian Warbler

The Sardinian Warbler, Sylvia melanocephala, is a common and widespread Old World warbler which breeds in the southernmost areas of Europe and just into Asia in Turkey and the eastern end of the Mediterranean.

This small passerine bird, unlike most warblers, is not particularly migratory, but some birds winter in north Africa, and it occurs as a vagrant well away from the breeding range, as far as Great Britain.

This is a bird of open country and cultivation, with bushes for nesting. The nest is built in low shrub or brambles, and 3-6 eggs are laid.

Although most warblers have the sexes identical, several Sylvia species have distinct male and female plumages. This is a small warbler. The adult male has a grey back, whitish underparts, black head, white throat and red eyes. The female is mainly brown above and buff below, with a grey head. Like most warblers, it is insectivorous, but will also take berries and other soft fruit.

The Sardinian Warbler's song is fast and rattling, and is very characteristic of the Mediterranean areas where this bird breeds.