Garden Warbler
Sylvia borin
Ceolaire garraí
Status All Ireland: Breeding
Population estimate all Ireland: 50 – 150 pairs
Trend (12 years): Increase
Trend (40 years): Increase
Survey timing: mid-April to June
Habitat: Woodland/damp scrub
Occurrence: Very localised. Main breeding areas in the upper Shannon Valley (Fermanagh, Leitrim, Roscommon) and parts of Cavan. Also patchily in Northern Ireland, Kerry and north Munster. Formerly bred in small numbers in Wicklow – current status there unknown.
Habitat preference (simple description of preferred nesting habitat): Almost always associated with water, in woodland and scrub on the fringes of lakes and rivers. Needs a good, dense shrub layer for breeding. Tends to prefer less mature woodland. Will nest on islands on lakes.
Preferred ways to establish breeding status: A knowledge of the song is essential – can be tricky as it is very similar to Blackcap, which are often found at the same locations. Garden Warblers are secretive, typically singing from dense cover, above head height and only occasionally showing briefly in the open. Once it is established that Garden Warblers are present, seeing an adult carry food for young is really the only chance to prove breeding. Listen also for anxiety “tack” call, which is also very similar to Blackcap.
