Barred Warbler

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Barred Warbler

Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sylviidae
Genus: Sylvia
Species: S. nisoria
Binomial name
Sylvia nisoria
(Bechstein, 1792)

The Barred Warbler (Sylvia nisoria) is a common and widespread Old World warbler which breeds throughout eastern Europe and across much of temperate Asia. Lately it has declined in some areas (including Germany), due to habitat loss because of intensified agriculture.

Sylvia nisoria (up) and Sylvia hortensis (bottom)
Sylvia nisoria (up) and Sylvia hortensis (bottom)

This small passerine bird is strongly migratory, and winters in eastern Africa. It is regular on passage as far west as Great Britain.

This is a bird of open country with bushes for nesting. The nest is built in low shrub or brambles, and 3-7 eggs are laid.

Although most warblers have the sexes identical, several Sylvia species have distinct male and female plumages.

Barred Warbler is a large and robust warbler, 15.5-17cm in length, mainly grey above and whitish below. The adult male is darker grey above, and heavily barred below. The female has only light barring. Young birds lack any barring, and have no obvious distinctive features other than the size. Like most warblers, it is insectivorous, but will also take berries and other soft fruit.

The Barred Warbler's song is a pleasant chattering with many clearer notes like a Blackbird. The song can be confused with that of Garden Warbler, but is less melodious.


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