blackcap

Sylvia atricapilla

• The male of this widespread species has a distinctive black ‘cap’ on his head
   
• The female’s cap is rusty coloured
   
• Both have grey and brown plumage

The varied, warbling song is one of the best birdsongs of summer.
 

Where found

Blackcaps are hard to spot, flitting about in undergrowth in woodland, parks and gardens.
 

Record seasonal events

You can help scientists monitor the effect of climate change on blackcaps by telling us the dates when you see them for the first and third time where you live

• A summer visitor from March or April
   
• Increasingly overwintering in southern counties