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Cetti's warbler

© Amy Lewis

Cetti's warbler

A dark, stocky warbler, the Cetti's warbler is most likely to be heard, rather than seen - listen out for its bubbling song among willow, marsh and nettles.

Scientific name

Cettia cetti

When to see

January to December

Species information

Statistics

Length: 14cm
Wingspan: 17cm
Weight: 12-15g
Average lifespan: 2 years
Classified in the UK as Green under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021). Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.

About

Named after 18th century zoologist, Francesco Cetti, the Cetti's warbler is a medium-sized warbler of willow scrub, marshes and nettlebeds. It can be very difficult to spot, but you may well hear it singing loudly from the cover of dense bushes. Resident all year-round, in summer, male Cetti's warblers spend their time defending territories, while the females lay their bright red eggs and raise their chicks.

How to identify

Cetti's warblers are rich chestnut-brown above and grey below, with a pale throat. They have a long, often cocked, tail. Best recognised by their explosive song.

Distribution

Resident in Southern England and South Wales.

Did you know?

Recent colonisers of the UK, Cetti's warblers were first recorded in this country in 1961, and first bred here in 1973.