The garden warbler is a common and widespread small bird that breeds in most of Europe and in the Palearctic to western Siberia. It is a plain, long-winged and long-tailed typical warbler with brown upperparts and dull white underparts; the sexes are similar and juveniles resemble the adults. Its two subspecies differ only slightly and interbreed where their ranges overlap. Due to its lack of distinguishing features, this species can be confused with a number of other unstreaked warblers. The garden warbler's rich melodic song is similar to that of the blackcap, its closest relative, which competes with it for territory when nesting in the same woodland.
Region
Western Palearctic (breeding) and sub-Saharan Africa (wintering)
Typical Environment
Breeds widely across temperate Europe extending into western Siberia, with scattered populations in suitable thickets and young woodland. Prefers woodland edges, clearings, scrub, hedgerows, and dense undergrowth with ample cover. It is less common in mature closed-canopy forests and avoids very dry, open habitats. In Africa during winter, it uses savanna woodlands, secondary growth, riparian thickets, and fruiting shrublands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A plain-looking warbler, it is often identified more by its rich, melodious song than by appearance, and can be confused with the blackcap. It breeds across much of Europe and western Siberia and winters in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its name, it favors scrub, woodland edges, and thickets more than formal gardens. It shifts seasonally from insect prey to soft fruits and berries, helping disperse seeds.
Deciduous woodland is the preferred breeding habitat.
Singing male in England
Painting of an egg
Cuculus canorus canorus in a clutch of Sylvia borin borin - MHNT
The common fig is a popular food prior to migration.
The common cuckoo is a brood parasite of the garden warbler.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights between cover
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, with males singing persistently to defend territories. Builds a neat cup nest low in dense shrubs or brambles, typically laying 4–5 eggs. Outside breeding, may join loose mixed-species foraging groups in fruit-rich areas.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A rich, fluent, and melodious warble delivered in long, flowing phrases, often from concealed perches. The timbre resembles the blackcap but is typically less abrupt and more continuous. Calls include a harsh tchack and soft contact notes.
