Dartford Warbler
Sylvia undata
Length 12-13cm

A resident warbler, in breeding season confined to heathland in S England, mainly in Surrey, Hampshire (particularly New Forest) and Dorset; in winter, some birds move to scrub on S coast. Usually seen as a distant, dark bird perched on top of gorse bush with small body and long tail cocked up at an angle. In good light, male shows blue-grey upperparts, reddish underparts and white belly; female similar but plumage duller. Reddish eyering and leg colour seen only at close range. Male sings scratchy song. Rather shy, often detected by tchrr-tche call. Locally common but decimated in cold winters.