Blackcap
Blackcap, (Sylvia atricapilla), common warbler from Europe and northwestern Africa to central Asia. It belongs to the family Sylviidae (order Passeriformes). It is 14 cm (5.5 inches) long, with brownish upperparts, gray underparts and face, and black (male) or reddish brown (female) crown. Common in woodland border and rough hedges, it has a rich song. The bush blackcap (Lioptilus nigricapillus) of South Africa belongs to the family Timaliidae.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Blackcap
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
13 November 2026
Access Date:
November 14, 2026