Wing Tips
Brilliant birds, month by month: what to see and where to go.
Birds and wildlife
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaGroup: WarblersUK Conservation status:Green
How to identify
The Blackcap is a distinctive greyish warbler. The top of the male's head is black (its black cap) while the female's is chestnut brown. Its delightful fluting song has earned it the name 'northern nightingale'. Although primarily a summer visiting bird from Germany and north-east Europe, Blackcaps are increasingly spending the winter in the UK.Call
Blackcap
Mathias Ritschard / xeno-canto
Key features to look out for
- Greyish overall body
- Males have a black cap on the top of their head
- Females and juveniles have a brown cap
Conservation status
Blackcaps are currently Green-listed, with far more around than back in the 1970s.
Where and when to see them
Difficulty rating - Medium
Blackcaps are best looked for in woodland, parks and gardens with plenty of trees and shrubs. In winter will readily come into gardens.
Key
- Resident
- Passage
- Summer
- Winter
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Behaviour
They’re greyish birds, and only the males have a black head, but that unremarkable appearance hides a big secret. The best thing about Blackcaps is their wonderful warbling song, which even gives the Nightingale a run for its money.
They used to be a traditional summer migrant, arriving in our shores from this month onwards. But things are changing! You can increasingly see them here in winter, too. The ones that breed here over the summer tend to head back to the Mediterranean to spend the winter. And the Blackcaps that winter here are generally from a central European population, especially from Germany. That group comes here to feast on autumn berries and fruits. But don’t cross them – they’ve got a bit of a reputation for getting in a bit of a strop when it comes to food, and will happily shoo other birds away from feeders!
Call/song
A scratchy song that has earnt this warbler the nickname of the ‘northern nightingale’. It’s a fluty tune, almost like a Blackbird – but the Blackcap races its way through to the end as opposed to the Blackbird’s ambling approach. Starting off quite quiet, the Blackcap begins to belt out as the tune reaches its crescendo.
When and where to hear them?
We’re now seeing Blackcaps in our gardens all year round. You’ll often hear Blackcap’s song exploding from dense undergrowth long before you catch sight of the perpetrator. Keep an ear out as your approach areas of brambles and nettles.
Your Blackcap questions answered
How can I identify a Blackcap?
Blackcaps are small warblers with greyish-brown bodies and pale underparts. Males have a distinctive black cap, while females have a chesnut-brown cap.
What species look similar?
Marsh Tit and Willow Tit can look similar due to their black heads and greyish bodies. However they both also have a black bib which Blackcaps don't have.
What does a Blackcap eat?
Blackcaps eat insects, spiders, berries and other small invertebrates. In autumn and winter, berries and fruit make up more of their diet.
Where do Blackcaps nest?
Blackcaps usually nest in dense vegetation, shrubs, brambles and hedgerows. Their nests are often low to the ground and well concealed.
When do Blackcaps nest?
Blackcaps usually nest between April and July in the UK. They may raise more than one brood during the breeding season.
How long do Blackcaps live?
The average lifespan is 2 years and longest recorded ringed bird is 10 years.
Do Blackcaps migrate?
Yes, many Blackcaps migrate. Some UK Blackcaps migrate to southern Europe and Africa, while others remain in the UK or move shorter distances.
Are Blackcaps rare in the UK?
No. Blackcaps are common breeding birds in the UK, particularly in woodland, gardens, parks and areas with dense vegetation.
When do Blackcaps arrive in the UK?
Summer-visiting Blackcaps generally arrive in the UK from March onwards, with numbers increasing through spring. Birds wintering here from central Europe arrive in late summer.
When do Blackcaps leave the UK?
Many summer Blackcaps leave the UK from August onwards, migrating south for winter. However, some Blackcaps remain in the UK year-round.