Dartford warbler
Curruca undata
Curruca undata, commonly known as the Sardinian Warbler, is a small bird species belonging to the family Sylviidae. This bird is a remarkable resident in various Mediterranean regions, including the Comunidad Valenciana.
Identification:
- Adults exhibit a distinctive appearance with a grey head, and white throat, and a black cap extending past the eye. Their underparts are lighter grey, giving them an elegant contrast.
- They are small-sized birds, typically measuring around 13-14 cm in length, with a wingspan of about 15-20 cm.
- Their tails are relatively long and often appear rounded or slightly fan-shaped when in flight.
Behavior and Habitat:
- The Sardinian Warblers are non-migratory birds, often found in dense scrub, maquis, and coastal areas where low vegetation predominates.
- They are known for their characteristic scratchy and rapid song, often heard throughout their preferred habitats.
- The diet of Curruca undata primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates, although they occasionally consume berries and fruits.
Relevance to the Comunidad Valenciana:
- This species is well adapted to the Mediterranean ecosystem of the Comunidad Valenciana, contributing to the local avifauna diversity.
- Observing the Sardinian Warbler can be particularly delightful around the coastal and inland scrublands where they are prevalent year-round.