Taxonomy
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Birds
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sylviidae
Genre: Sylvia
Species: Sylvia atricapilla
Conservation Status of the Species in Portugal and Worldwide
Portugal
World
Features and
Habits
In terms of dimensions, it has a length of approximately 13 cm and a wingspan between 20 and 23 cm. Regarding its characteristics, the most noticeable aspect is the dark cap (in males) and brown (in females and juveniles), while the rest of the body is dark gray on the upper part (wings) and light gray on the lower part.
It feeds mainly on insects, larvae, and spiders, and occasionally fruits and berries. It nests around spring and summer. It makes nests composed of dry grass, moss, roots, and feathers. The female lays between 4 and 5 eggs per clutch, and these take 12 to 14 days to incubate, during which time the male feeds the female. After hatching, the feathers take 9 to 12 days to develop. At 12 to 14 days they can leave the nest but continue to be fed by their parents for a few more weeks until they become independent.
Habitat and Distribution
It is a common resident bird (found in Portugal throughout the year). It is found throughout the country, preferring habitats with large, broad-leaved, non-resinous trees. It is observed in woodlands, riparian galleries (trees along a river or stream) and public gardens, mainly in spring and summer, when it is more common in the north of the country. In winter it also appears in orchards, olive groves and near watercourses, and migrates further south. The most common places for observing this species are Coimbra and the Algarve. As a breeding bird, it occurs more in the north than in the south.
Places where I have photographed this species so far.
All Photographs Taken
