Spectacled Warbler
Curruca conspicillata
The Spectacled Warbler is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen in the southern regions during the spring and autumn, often in areas with dense vegetation and scrub. It is a notable species due to its distinctive appearance and skulking behaviour, making it a prized sighting for British birdwatchers.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Spectacled Warbler in the field.
The Spectacled Warbler can be identified by its greyish-brown back, white underside, and distinctive white eye-rings, which give it a "spectacled" appearance, as well as its long, broad tail and short, pointed bill.
The Spectacled Warbler is slightly smaller than a House Sparrow, with a more compact build.
The male Spectacled Warbler has a greyish-brown back, wings, and tail, with a white underside and white eye-rings, and a greyish-white throat patch.
The female Spectacled Warbler is similar to the male, with slightly duller colours and a less prominent throat patch.
The Spectacled Warbler's call is a sharp, metallic "tak" or "tek" sound, while its song is a series of short, melodic phrases.
The Spectacled Warbler is a skulking species, often feeding on the ground or in low vegetation, and has a distinctive, jerky flight style, with a tendency to freeze in place when alarmed.
The Spectacled Warbler can be confused with other warbler species, such as the Subalpine Warbler, but can be distinguished by its distinctive white eye-rings and greyish-brown back, as well as its shorter, more pointed bill.
Quick Facts
Who's spotted this?
Loading...
Recent community sightings
Loading recent sightings...
