Subalpine Warbler

The Subalpine Warbler, Sylvia cantillans, is a small Old World warbler which breeds in the southernmost areas of Europe and northwest Africa.

This small passerine bird is migratory, and winters along the southern edge of the Sahara. It occurs as a vagrant well away from the breeding range, in both spring and autumn as north far as Great Britain.

This is a bird of dry open country, often on hill slopes, with bushes for nesting. The nest is built in low shrub or gorse, and 3-5 eggs are laid.

Although most warblers have the sexes identical, several Sylvia species, including S. cantillans, have distinct male and female plumages. The adult male has a grey back and head, brick-red underparts, and white moustaches. The female is mainly brown above, with a greyer head, and whitish below with a pink flush. Like most warblers, it is insectivorous, but will also take berries.

The Supalpine Warbler's song is fast and rattling, and is similar to the Lesser Whitethroat.