A very plain warbler with no distinguishing features (a feature in itself!). It spends a lot of its time in the cover of trees and bushes and can be more difficult to see than its relative, the blackcap. Despite its name it is not really a garden bird, except in mature gardens next to woods. Its song is similar to that of a blackcap, but has longer mellow phrases.
Key ID Features:
I always like the description that it's most distinguishing feature is that it has no distinguishing features, living up to it's scientific name of Sylvia borin. The epitome of the 'Little Brown Job'.
However it's song, similar to Blackcap but more rambling and seemingly uncontrolled, is far from borin'.
All over brown, paler buff below, with a large dark eye and a thin pale eye ring.
Grey legs, a roundish head and short thick bill aren't exciting but help with identification when it makes an occasional appearance.
Overview
Scientific name: Sylvia borin.
Family: Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)
Where to see them:
Deciduous and mixed woodland and woodland edges, with glades, rides and other open areas. Especially likes coppiced woodland. Sometimes in farmland hedgerows. It is commonest in England, Wales and S Scotland.
Seen in UK:
It starts to arrive in late April and May and leaves in mid-July. Migrants can be seen through August and September when Continental birds can be seen along the east and south coasts.
What they eat
Insects and berries.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
