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Key information: A small, grey-brown bird with a characteristic black cap (or red-brown cap for females and juveniles). Blackcaps pass through Cyprus during migration. Some like to stay during the winter.  Because of its lovely, fluting song, the Blackcap is also known as the ‘northern Nightingale’. It sings in winter, often in urban parks, villages and orchards. Unfortunately, this bird is targeted by illegal bird trappers who trap Blackcaps and other small birds using nets and limesticks.

Length: 13,5 – 15 cm

Habitat: Farmland, scrub and bushes, towns and villages

When they can be seen: Autumn, winter, spring

What they eat: Invertebrates, fruits

In Cyprus: Can be seen all over the island, especially Cape Greco during migration

Status: Passage migrant, winter visitor

Illustration by Paschalis Dougalis