The Black Cap - Sylvia atricapilla)

The Black Cap (Scientific name - Sylvia atricapilla)

This bird is a very distinctive garden bird, the male (above picture) has a black cap and the female has a chestnut cap. The juvenile males also have a brown cap. The Black Caps have thin beaks and grey/brown wings. They are a similar size to the well loved robin! The Black Cap measures around 13cm and only weighs around 21g.

What do Black Caps like to eat?

Black caps enjoy eating lots of different things from insect to berries. We recommend feeding live mealworms or a high protein seed like our Seed and Suet Combo which has berry suet pellets which Black Caps will love!

Do Black Caps migrate?

You are more likely to see a Black Cap in the summer months but they have been known to spend the winter here in the UK from Germany and North East Europe.

Where do Black Caps live?

Black caps live in woodlands, gardens and also some parks. Black caps especially like places where there are plenty of trees and shaded areas. They are mostly all over the UK but haven't made it up to the Sottish Highlands.

How to attract Black Caps to your garden

Make sure your garden is full of trees. We recommend getting a feeding station so you can put out different types of bird food. Just remember in the summer you maybe able to hear a Black Cap before you see one! They have a beautiful singing voice!

If you have any Black Caps in your garden, we would love to see them! Send us a picture!
 

You can do your bit for British wildlife - including the lovable Black Cap - by putting out bird seeds and planting wildflowers in your garden!

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