Blackcaps Migratory or Resident

[Madelinew]

If my blackcaps turn out to be winter visitors, can anyone tell me when I can expect them to vanish?

[squishy]

blackcaps are usually summer visitors that have taken to overwintering here as well sometimes lovely birds, and they will stay in the summer

[Jason Green]

Mainly summer, though I believe about 500 over-winter in the south each year. This number may be increasing?

[Tursiops2]

Sorry, but I have to correct a misapprehension here.

The blackcaps that breed in the UK and those that winter here are two distinct and separate populations. The wintering birds breed in central Europe, and will probably have left the UK by the end of March. The birds that breed here, winter around the Mediterranean and North Africa and will arrive in the UK from mid-April onwards.
T2

[Geoff F]

I suspect that a proper survey all along the south coast would indicate considerable numbers. I've had one or two in my garden all winter for many years. And looking out of the window, there is a male eating peanuts from the feeder now.

But I have never seen one during the summer so they must move off sometime during March. I do wonder if it is the same birds returning each winter or if they create individual winter territories and spread themselves around in densities of say one or two every other garden.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Tursiops2

Sorry, but I have to correct a misapprehension here.

The blackcaps that breed in the UK and those that winter here are two distinct and separate populations. The wintering birds breed in central Europe, and will probably have left the UK by the end of March. The birds that breed here, winter around the Mediterranean and North Africa and will arrive in the UK from mid-April onwards.
T2

Agree this is the generally accepted theory, but it is conceivable that some birds that breed here may also adapt their behaviour to spend the winter here. The only way to prove this would be through ringing recoveries or colour marking of birds.

[Jason Green]

...yep, I agree and the same as I thought. Just better not mark the caps... remember the oystercatchers

[squishy]

really? i didnt know that T2 thanks for the info

[Nightranger]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Agree this is the generally accepted theory, but it is conceivable that some birds that breed here may also adapt their behaviour to spend the winter here. The only way to prove this would be through ringing recoveries or colour marking of birds.

It is a possibility but as far as I am aware the wintering birds have definitely been identified as coming from central Europe through ringing recoveries. Blackcaps are short-range migrants and even the UK breeding birds do not cross the Sahara so it is more than possible that a few breeding birds will stay on. The central European birds are and were regular visitors to the UK but whereas they previously staged through the UK, increasing numbers are staying on through the winter.

[Davbro]

I believe I had a Blackcap in my garden for the first time ever. It was feeding on an insect impregnated fat block. Unfortunately most of its body was hiiden by the block but it had a fabulous black cap.