Blackcap
Scientific Name: Sylvia atricapillaMaltese Name: Kapiniera
Family: Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
A warbler mainly found in woodland and valleys. The male,as it name suggests, has a distinctive black cap while the female has a reddish-brown cap. It has a grey face and throat, pale grey underside, grey brown back and plain wings. It feeds mainly on insects, fruit and berries. Has a tak tak call often revealing its presence and its song is a beautiful one. It nests in a small cup of grass and lays 4-5 eggs. Blackcaps can live up to 5 years and is mainly seen on its own when feeding. Many Blackcaps winter in the Mediterranean and north Africa.
Status:
Common Autumn migrant mainly in October and some winter with us in wooded areas or valleys. Some also occasionally seen in Spring.
When to See:
Late September until March
Where to See:
May be seen anywhere with adequate vegitation during migration. Buskett and areas with similar habitats is probably the best place to see wintering Blackcaps.
Photographs:
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| Male Blackcap, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Female Blackcap, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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