How to identify a Blackcap

Blackcaps are quite chunky birds, about the size of Chaffinches, with fine, dark beaks.

Both sexes are mostly grey in colour and, in winter, are best distinguished by the colour of their cap. Adult males display the black cap that gives the species its common name, while females have a chestnut-brown cap.

Watch our ID video
Male Blackcap (John Dunn)
Male Blackcap (John Dunn)
Female Blackcap (John Harding)
Female Blackcap (John Harding)

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