Bird Guide

Dartford Warbler vs Western Orphean Warbler

Dartford Warbler (Curruca undata)

Dartford Warbler

Curruca undata

Tiny1 gShrubland

The Dartford warbler is a small, 13 cm (5.1 in), passerine bird, distinguished by its long tail compared with that of other warblers. Its plumage comprises unobtrusive and muted tones, which blend in with the dry dead plants, old wood or sunny greyish wood found in its preferred habitats. Like many typical warblers, the Dartford warbler has distinct male and female plumages. The male has a grey back and head, reddish underparts, and a red eye. The reddish throat is spotted with white. The sides are a dull greyish tone, being more clear about the abdomen.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Dartford Warbler
Recorded by Sonothèque ADVL · Alarm call · Cabane Vauban (near Carolles), Manche, Normandie, France · CC0
Photo: gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K · CC BY 2.0
Western Orphean Warbler (Curruca hortensis)

Western Orphean Warbler

Curruca hortensis

22 gUrban

At 15–16 centimetres (6–6+1⁄4 in) in length – somewhat larger than a blackcap – this is one of the largest species of typical warblers. The adult males have a plain grey back and whitish underparts. The bill is long and pointed and the legs black. The male has a dark grey head, black eye mask, and white throat. The iris is white. Females and immatures have a paler head and buff underparts; their grey back has a brownish tinge. The iris is dark in young birds. The song is a series of warbling liroo-liroo and scolding notes.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Western Orphean Warbler
Recorded by Philippe_Grange · Song · Hérault, Minerve, France · CC0
Photo: Ron Knight from Seaford, East Sussex, United Kingdom · CC BY 2.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Dartford Warbler and Western Orphean Warbler.