Marmora's warbler is a species of passerine bird in the Sylviidae family. The specific sarda is a Latin feminine form for a person from Sardinia.
Region
Western Mediterranean (Corsica and Sardinia)
Typical Environment
This species is largely restricted to the islands of Sardinia (Italy) and Corsica (France), including nearby small islets. It inhabits Mediterranean maquis and garrigue, heath-like shrublands, and regenerating scrub after fires. Birds occur from coastal scrub to subalpine heaths, avoiding tall closed forests. Nests are placed low in dense bushes or heather-like vegetation. Outside breeding, it may use more open scrub mosaics and edges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Marmora's warbler is a small sylviid largely confined to the islands of Sardinia and Corsica; the epithet sarda refers to Sardinia. It was formerly placed in Sylvia but is now in Curruca. It resembles the Dartford warbler but adults are notably greyer overall with a reddish eye. Named for Italian naturalist Alberto della Marmora.
Cuculus canorus canorus (cuckoo) egg in a Curruca sarda clutch- MHNT
Temperament
skulking but active in dense scrub
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low undulating flights between shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs during the breeding season and small family groups afterward. Territorial males sing from prominent perches or perform brief song-flights. The nest is a small cup concealed low in dense shrubs; both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, scratchy warble with trills and chattering phrases, delivered in short bursts. Calls include a dry, ticking tack and soft churrs from cover.
Plumage
Adult male is largely uniform slate-grey with slightly darker upperparts and fine mottling on the breast; female is greyer-brown above with paler grey underparts. Both sexes have a long, slightly graduated tail with pale outer edges and a fine, slender bill. Underparts are plain compared with Dartford warbler, lacking rich rufous tones.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders gleaned from shrub foliage. It occasionally makes short sallies to snap flying insects. In late summer and autumn it may supplement its diet with small berries.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within low Mediterranean scrub, heaths, and garrigue, working methodically through dense bushes and bracken. Often forages close to the ground or mid-shrub levels, especially in areas with mixed open patches and cover.
