Blackcap - Sylvia atricapilla

A distinctive greyish warbler, the male has a black cap and the female a chestnut one. Its delightful fluting song has earned it the name 'Northern Nightingale'. Although primarily a summer visitor, birds from Germany and north-east Europe are increasingly spending the winter in the UK.

Best looked for in woodland, parks and gardens with plenty of trees and shrubs. Those staying over winter will readily come into gardens.

Breeding birds arrive in April and May, leaving in September and October. Some European birds winter in the UK, largely in England.

The summer population feeds on caterpillars and small insects which they searches for through the leaves of trees and bushes. However the winter population feed on seeds and fruits as well.

Common in Britain in summer

Common in summer