Blackcap

Sylvia atricapilla

© 2025
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21 recent observations

Brief #

Overall grey plumage with distinctive cap of black or chestnut in males and females respectively.

Sounds #

Song

Synonyms #

  • Curruca capirotada (Spanish)
  • Papuxa das amoras (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Blackcap is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

The adult male has olive-grey upperparts, other than a paler grey nape and a neat black cap on the head. The underparts are light grey, becoming silvery white on the chin, throat and upper breast. The tail is dark grey, with an olive tint to the outer edge of each feather. The bill and long legs are grey, and the iris is reddish brown. The female resembles the male, but has a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner tone to the grey of the upperparts. Juveniles are similar to the female, but their upperparts have a slight rufous tinge, and the breast and flanks have a more olive tone; young males have a darker brown cap than their female counterparts.

Measurements #

Length: 12 - 15 cm
Wingspan: 20 - 23 cm
Weight: 17 - 25 g

Similar species #