Blackcap

The blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) is a member of the warbler family that is common throughout Europe, although in Great Britain it is mainly a migrant, wintering only in the far south of England. However, with winters gradually becoming milder throughout the country, it is quite possible that the blackcap will become a resident species across a much wider range in future. It is also found in Asia, as far east as western Siberia, and also in the Middle East and north Africa.


Appearance and behaviour

It is quite a small bird at around 14 centimetres (5.5 inches) in length, slim in build and with a thin bill and longish tail. The plumage is generally grey, with the upperparts being darker than the underparts. Male birds have a distinctive black cap above the eye (hence the name) which in the females is a chestnut colour. The plumage of the female birds also tends towards a browner shade. In juvenile birds the cap starts as either dark brown (males) or yellowy-brown (females).

The song of the blackcap is particularly fluty and pleasant, which has led to it being known as the “northern nightingale”.

Blackcaps are woodland birds, preferring broadleaved or mixed woods with plenty of undergrowth. However, they can also be seen in parks and overgrown gardens, especially those birds that over-winter.


Breeding

Breeding birds arrive in the UK in April or May and do not return to their wintering grounds until late August or early September. The nest is built in a hedge or bush quite close to the ground; it is woven from twigs and lined with animal hair. The male bird is quite likely to build a second nest which he uses as a perch from which to sing. The clutch is of four to six eggs which are incubated by both birds for up to 14 days. The young are fed by both birds for up to 14 days, the preferred food being non-hairy caterpillars. Feeding continues for a few days after fledging. A second brood is quite likely in July in years when food supplies are plentiful.

The food of the adult blackcap is insects, larvae and spiders, and also berries. Particular favourites among the latter are blueberries, raspberries and elderberries.

© John Welford