Curruca conspicillata
The Spectacled Warbler, *Curruca conspicillata*, is a small, sprightly passerine weighing 9-12 grams and measuring approximately 12.5-13.5 cm in length, characterized by its slender build and active demeanor. Its upperparts are a warm greyish-brown, contrasting with pale buffy-white underparts and distinctive rufous-tinged flanks. The most striking field mark, lending the species its name, is a prominent white eye-ring (spectacles) set against dark lores, giving it a bright-eyed appearance. T...
Found primarily in arid and semi-arid Mediterranean scrubland, garrigue, and maquis, favoring dense, low vegetation. Typically occurs from sea level up to elevations of about 1800 meters, though usually below 1000m.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide range of invertebrates including caterpillars, beetles, ants, and spiders. In late summer and autumn, they supplement their diet with small berries and fruits.
A diurnal and active bird, the Spectacled Warbler spends its days energetically foraging within the dense cover of shrubs, often remaining out of sight. It employs an agile foraging strategy, gleaning insects from foliage and occasionally making short aerial sallies to snatch airborne prey. Males...
The Spectacled Warbler's breeding range encompasses the Mediterranean Basin, extending across southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It breeds in countries such as Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Resident populations are ...
Least Concern
- The common name 'Spectacled Warbler' directly refers to its distinctive white eye-ring, which resembles spectacles. - It was formerly classified in the genus *Sylvia*, but recent genetic studies have placed it in the re-established genus *Curruca*. - Despite its small size, some populations und...