Sylviid Warblers in Dorset

5 species matching this filter.

All birds in DorsetView family page

Dorset is home to five species of Sylviid warbler, ranging from the widespread Blackcap and Whitethroat to the nationally scarce Dartford Warbler, which thrives on the county's lowland heathlands. The diverse mosaic of heathland, hedgerow, scrub and woodland across Dorset provides ideal breeding habitat for these characterful songbirds, making the county one of the best places in Britain to encounter the full range of this family.

Lesser Whitethroat
Lesser WhitethroatSmallest · 11cm
to
Garden Warbler
Garden WarblerLargest · 15cm
Ranges from the Lesser Whitethroat (11cm) to the Garden Warbler (15cm)2 year-round residents
Blackcap

Blackcap

Sylvia atricapillaLC

A common year-round resident in Dorset's woods and gardens. Summer breeders are bolstered by wintering birds from central Europe.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Dartford Warbler

Dartford Warbler

Curruca undataNT

An uncommon but iconic resident of Dorset's heathlands, notably Arne and Studland. One of the UK's key strongholds for this scarce warbler.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Garden Warbler

Garden Warbler

Sylvia borinLC

A rare and unobtrusive summer breeder in dense woodland undergrowth from April to September. Lacks the Blackcap's bold cap, relying on song for identification.

Apr–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Lesser Whitethroat

Lesser Whitethroat

Curruca currucaLC

A rare summer breeder in Dorset's tall hedgerows and scrubby thickets from April to September. Its rattling song is distinctive but easily overlooked.

Apr–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Whitethroat

Whitethroat

Curruca communisLC

An uncommon summer visitor breeding in Dorset's hedgerows and scrubby margins from April to September. Males deliver a scratchy song from exposed perches.

Apr–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Frequently Asked Questions

Sylviid Warblers in Dorset | Birdfact