The blackcap is a medium-sized warbler, mostly found in woodland and tall scrub, but also in gardens, particularly during the winter. Blackcaps were once just summer visitors to the UK, but can now be seen all year-round as winter migrants from Germany and north-east Europe appear from September onwards. Blackcaps will feed on insects in summer and berries and fruit in winter. They nest in hedges or brambles and produce up to two clutches of four to six eggs a year.
How to identify
The blackcap is dark grey; males sport the black cap they are named after, while females have a gingery-brown cap. Easily confused with the marsh tit and willow tit, it can be distinguished by the lack of a black bib.
Did you know?
Blackcaps are known as the 'nightingale of the north' because of their beautiful song.
