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Black cap

sylvia atricapilla

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53.5107, -1.1182

Field Notes

Description:

The black cap is the one hanging from the edge of the table, the one looking over is a reed bunting. He is seen by himself in photo 2 but hidden amongst lots of twigs. This is a male as it has a black cap whereas the female has a brown one. Breeding birds arrive from Germany in April although some have be known to winter in the UK in recent years. He is part of the warbler family and his melodious song has also earnt him the nickname of nightingale of the North.

Habitat:

seen in Potteric carr nature reserve owned by the Yorkshire wildlife trust

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
PedroNicolau
Damn, we were close! It could be a Marsh Tit but as I said, its characteristics lead me to believe it's not.
PedroNicolau
The pale pannel along the secondaries and the extensive white cheeks indicate this is a Willow Tit (not a Marsh Tit which is extremely similar). I don't know why you would exclude it. It may be endangered but that doesn't mean it's extremely rare, the Collins Bird Guide has its status as rB3 (Fairly abundant breeding species). These tits don't occur here and I've never seen either of them, but after researching a bit I'm pretty sure it's a P. montanus. It's certainly not a Sylvia, so you can split the spottings!
Debbie Stewart
could it possibly be a Marsh tit as they are more numerous in the East and there are alot of Marshes at this reserve, I can't see pale panelling on the wings which is says the willow tit has, the forest here is Oak and Silver Birch too. http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/m/marshtit/index.aspx
Debbie Stewart
It only stayed for a second then was gone so no other shots but as willow tits are extremely rare and the black caps were numerous I assumed it was that I agree it does look like one though but after reading this from the RSPB i discounted it http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/w/willowtit/index.aspx
PedroNicolau
Debbie, you have a tit in the first shot, not a Black cap. I'd say it's a Willow Tit (Poecile montanus), but are there more shots available?

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Birds of the World
Mission
Global Flight
Mission
Mission WILD
Mission
Birds of Britain

Tags

Photographed
PublishedMay 6, 2013

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