Dartford Warbler

Dartford Warbler - South and west Spain - April and May 2012
The Dartford Warbler is a small warbler distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones which blend in with its preferred habitats. Like many warblers, the Dartford Warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts and a red eye. The female is paler below, especially on the throat, and a browner grey above. The song of the Dartford Warbler is a distinctive rattling warble.

The largest populations of Dartford Warbler are found in Iberia with smaller populations in France, Italy and the south of the UK. In Africa, they are found in small areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria.

The Dartford Warbler breeds on heathlands amongst gorse, heather and other scrub bushes, sometimes near coasts.

Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in north west Kent in the UK where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962/63 when the national population dropped to just 10 pairs. However, this species can recover well in good quality habitat, thanks to repeated nesting and a high survival rate for the young. In the UK, Dartford Warblers can now be found at various heathland locations in south and east England.

Date: 25th April 2012

Location: road to La Lancha and Embalse del Jándula, Sierra de Andújar, Andalucia, Spain

Blue Rock Thrush


Also in: South and west Spain - April and May 2012

Black-winged Stilt
Black-winged Stilt
Black-winged Stilt
Black-winged Stilt
European Bee-eater
European Bee-eater
European Bee-eater
European Bee-eater
European Bee-eater
Spanish Imperial Eagle
Spanish Imperial Eagle
Blue Rock Thrush
Griffon Vulture
White Stork
Cattle Egret

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