Sylviid Warblers in London

5 species matching this filter.

All birds in LondonView family page

London supports five species of Sylviid warbler, ranging from the widespread Blackcap and Whitethroat to the much scarcer Dartford Warbler, which clings on at a handful of heathland sites on the capital's fringes. These small, often skulking birds favour scrubby habitats, woodland edges and overgrown hedgerows found across London's parks, commons and nature reserves. For a broader look at the capital's avifauna, see our guide to the 20 Most Common Birds in London: Gardens, Parks & Urban Hotspots.

Lesser Whitethroat
Lesser WhitethroatSmallest · 11cm
to
Blackcap
BlackcapLargest · 15cm
Ranges from the Lesser Whitethroat (11cm) to the Blackcap (15cm)1 year-round resident
Blackcap

Blackcap

Sylvia atricapillaLC

A common resident boosted in winter by continental migrants. Its rich song is heard in parks and gardens year-round.

Year-round

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

Dartford Warbler

Curruca undataNT

A rare non-breeding visitor to heathland fringes, occasionally recorded on outer London commons in autumn and winter.

Oct–Jan

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

Garden Warbler

Sylvia borinLC

A rare summer breeder in London's woodlands with dense undergrowth. A skulking warbler, best detected by its rich, even-paced song.

Apr–Sep

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

Lesser Whitethroat

Curruca currucaLC

An uncommon summer breeder favouring tall hedgerows and scrubby areas, present from April to September.

Apr–Sep

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

Whitethroat

Curruca communisLC

A common summer breeder arriving in April, favouring scrubby hedgerows and bramble patches. Its scratchy song is a feature of London's wilder green spaces.

Apr–Sep

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

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