Barred Warbler
Scientific Name: Sylvia nisoriaMaltese Name: Bekkafik ta' l-Istrixxi
Family: Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)
Occurence: Vagrant
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
This is a large and robust species of typical warbler, mainly grey above and whitish below. This is a highly distinctive species as the adult male is darker grey above, heavily barred below and has a yellow iris. The female has only light barring. Young birds lack any barring, and have no obvious distinctive features other than the size. The Barred Warbler is a bird of open country with bushes for nesting. Like most warblers, it is insectivorous, but will also take berries and other soft fruit. The Barred Warbler's song is a pleasant chattering with many clearer notes like a Blackbird. This bird is a common breeder throughout eastern Europe and across much of temperate Asia. It is strongly migratory wintering in eastern Africa and is regular on passage as far west as Britain & Ireland.
Status:
Vagrant. Only 4 records of this species. 1st Record was on 16th March 1955 at Wied il-Ghasel, 2nd Record was on 9th October 1973 at Ghajnxejba, Xaghra, Gozo, 3rd Record on 12th May 2003 on Comino and 4th one was on 14th September 2007 at Ghadira.
Photographs:
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Barred Warbler (1st Year), 14th September 2007, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Barred Warbler, 9th October 1973, Ghajnxejba, Xaghra, Gozo | Barred Warbler (Male), 12th May 2003, Comino |
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