Blackcap
Sylvia atricapilla
Length 14cm

Overwinters in S England in very small numbers but seen mainly as a summer visitor, present from April to September. Then widespread in Britain and Ireland and common in suitable habitats except in N. Breeds in deciduous woodland with dense undergrowth and in areas of scrub and bushes. Male has grey-brown upperparts, paler underparts and distinctive black cap; female is similar but has chestnut-brown cap. Male's song attractive and musical with chattering and fluty elements; similar to song of garden warbler but usually shorter and without that species' blackbird-like tone to elements in its repertoire.