The Sardinian warbler is a common and widespread Sylviidae warbler from the Mediterranean region. Like most Curruca species, it has distinct male and female plumages. The adult male has a grey back, whitish underparts, black head, white throat and red eyes. Plumages are somewhat variable even in the same locality, with the intensity of a reddish hue on upper- and/or underside that varies from absent to pronounced. The female is mainly brown above and buff below, with a grey head. The Sardinian warbler's song is fast and rattling, and is very characteristic of the Mediterranean areas where this bird breeds.
Region
Mediterranean Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs widely around the Mediterranean in southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Near East. It favors dense, low vegetation including maquis, garrigue, coastal scrub, thickets, hedgerows, and overgrown orchards. It adapts well to semi-urban edges and traditional olive groves provided there is ample shrub cover. It generally avoids closed high forest and very open habitats. Local dispersal and short seasonal shifts occur where winter cover or food is limited.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sardinian warbler is a small, skulking Mediterranean warbler formerly placed in the genus Sylvia. Males show a striking black hood with a white throat and a red orbital ring, while females are browner and duller. It thrives in dense, low scrub and is one of the most characteristic voices of Mediterranean maquis with its fast, rattling song. Many populations are resident, with some short-distance movements after breeding.
Curruca melanocephala - MHNT
Cuculus canorus (cuckoo) egg in a Sylvia melanocephala clutch MHNT
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low bounding flights between shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically seen as pairs during the breeding season, defending small territories within dense scrub. Nests are placed low in bushes, cup-shaped, with clutches of 3–5 eggs. Outside breeding, small family groups or loose associations may form in suitable shrublands.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a fast, rattling, scolding chatter delivered from within cover or a low perch. Calls include harsh rattles and tacks, often repeated rapidly, making the bird conspicuous by sound even when hidden.
Plumage
Males have a grey back, whitish underparts, a black hood, and a crisp white throat; females are browner above with buff underparts and a greyer head. Both sexes show a red orbital ring and subtle variation in reddish or rufous tones on the upperparts and flanks.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other small invertebrates gleaned from foliage or captured by short sallies. In autumn and winter it supplements with berries and soft fruits, such as bramble and elder. Opportunistic feeding allows it to persist in dry seasons when insects are scarcer.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense shrubs, brambles, and low maquis where it can move rapidly under cover. Will also forage along hedgerows, garden shrubs, and the edges of olive groves and orchards.
