Dartford Warbler
NameDartford Warbler
Common NameDartford Warbler
Scientific NameCurruca undata
FamilySylviidae
Wingspan (cm)14.5
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)9.5
Plumage DetailsMales have dark slate-grey upperparts, a grey head, and reddish-brown underparts extending from the throat to the belly. They possess a prominent red eye-ring. Females are duller, with browner upperparts and paler underparts. Both sexes have a relatively long tail.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a distinctive, rapid, and scratchy warble, often described as a rattling 'churr-churr-churr' or 'tack-tack-tack' delivered from an exposed perch or during a short display flight. It also has a sharp 'tack' alarm call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound primarily in western Europe and northwest Africa, particularly in areas with Mediterranean scrub, heathland, and gorse. Its range extends from southern England and western France south through the Iberian Peninsula and into parts of North Africa.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Dark grey upperparts, Reddish-brown underparts, Prominent red eye-ring, Long tail often cocked, Skulking behavior in dense scrub
Description
The Dartford Warbler is a small, active passerine often found skulking in dense scrub. Males are striking with their dark grey upperparts and reddish-brown underparts, frequently perching on exposed branches to sing their scratchy song.
