Eurasian Blackcap

The Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atrricapilla is a species of warbler and it's scientific name translates to "woodland singer with a black cap". The striking black cap can only be seen on the head of the male of the species this is in contrast to the female who has a brown/reddish coloured cap. Which makes it nice and easy to distinguish between the two compared to many other bird species. The rest of the body of both birds are a greyish brown. They are a relatively small bird around 13-15cm and can be found in woodland (w1/w2), hedgerows (h2), dense scrub (h3) and gardens (u1). They have a very distinctive call (XC29723 Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) :: xeno-canto) which can be learned easily, however, they are known to mimic other bird songs and incorporate them into their songs which can be confusing when out on a walk. If I heard or saw one of these I would record the BTO code BC.

A male Blackcap in a woodland

Blackcaps breed in Late April to July and their nests consists of a small cup made from grass and lined with soft materials hidden in dense shrubs or low vegetation. Often they will have a clutch of 4-6 eggs and hatch in about 11-14 days. As with all bird species in the UK it's nest and young are protected during the nesting period. However, it is not a species of conservation concern listed as Green on the Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) 5. 

A female Blackcap

They are omnivorous with a mixed diet consisting of insects, fruits and berries. In particular blackberries which is why they are widely seen within the UK. Typically the black cap was known as a summer visitor but, due to climate change this has changed with more and more birds deciding to overwinter here rather than migrating south to Mediterranean regions and Africa. Regarding impacts from these species on your development the blackcap is no of conservation concern however, avoidance of the breeding season for any vegetation clearance is a must. Also, compensation in the form of like for like replacement of any suitable habitat which is to be lost should be sought to ensure that the species has supporting habitat to forage and breed. In particular, as mentioned above inclusion of bramble and other berry shrub and tree species including but not limited to: elderberry, hawthorn and blackthorn. These species also benefit a range of other species. Other useful species to plant include dogwood, honeysuckle and ivy which provide a dense understorey which blackcaps use to forage and nest in. 

A male Blackcap in dense scrub