Spectacled Warbler
Scientific Name: Sylvia conspicillataMaltese Name: Bufula Hamra
Family: Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)
Occurence: Frequent Resident
Breeds in Malta: Yes
Breeding Frequency: Frequent
Overview:
Spectacled Warblers are brown above and buff below, with chestnut wing patches and a white throat. Adult males have a grey head and the white eye ring which gives the species its name. These small passerine birds are found in dry open country (in Malta it is mainly found in garigue and steppe) with bushes. 3-6 eggs are laid in a nest in a bush. Even though it is quite a shy bird, during the breeding season it easily seen in the open. Its characteristic churring call often reveals its presence. Like their relatives, the Spectacled Warbler is insectivorous.
Status and Distribution:
This species, once very common in the Maltese Islands, has seen its numbers decline drastically since 1980s, but it's population seems to be recovering in present years. The strongest population is in Gozo, where it can be easily seen, unlike Malta. A few pairs are also present on the Island of Comino.
When to See:
All year round
Where to See:
On mainland Malta, it is mainly restricted to north and west coasts' garigue and steppe areas. A good place to watch this bird on mainland Malta is the garigue behind Ghadira Nature Reserve and at Dingli Cliffs. Unlike Malta, in Gozo the Spectacled Warbler is quite common and can be easily seen nearly in every area with healthy garigue and steppe habitat. Ta Cenc is a very good site to see Spectacled Warbler in Gozo.
Photographs:
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| Male Spectacled Warbler, Dingli |
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| Male Spectacled Warbler, Dingli | Female Spectacled Warbler at Nest, Ta' Qali |
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| Nest of Spectacled Warbler with eggs, Wied is-Sewda | Nest of Spectacled Warbler with pulli, Comino |
Listen to Spectacled Warbler:
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