Balearic Warbler

This resident breeding species is a target bird for most birdwatching visitors to the island but not always easy to see as it stays very low in the scrub. It is abundant in the right locations but a lot of patience is needed and even in the particularly good sites it is not guaranteed. If you are staying in the north of the island then the Boquer Valley is a very good site with a few pairs on the slope just as the sea comes into view and always below knee height. Cala Sant Vincenc also has a few pairs but one of the best sites is at Son Real and here you take the coastal footpath and as you reach the coast you will see a viewing platform looking out to sea. If you watch the scrub below in time they will show but spring is the best time when in song. In the south on the east coast is Porto Colom again on the coastal footpath they are regularly seen and also a visit to Cabrera gives another opportunity and this is also a very good day trip where you can get many new species in such as the Balearic Shearwater as well as Blue rock thrush and also fantastic during migration. Arta Peninsula.

Technical description

Balearic Warbler (Sylvia balearica) is a typical warbler, genus Sylvia. It is endemic to the Balearic Islands. It groups with the Marmora’s warbler, Tristram’s warbler and the Dartford warbler. These are small, long-tailed, large-headed birds, overall very similar to their close relatives in the Dartford warbler group. Balearic warblers are grey above and pale grey below, adding a pinkish tinge. Adult males have darker patches on the forehead and between the eye and the pointed bill. The legs and iris are red. These small passerine birds are found in open country with thorny bushes and heather. 3-5 eggs are laid in a nest in a bush. Like most “warblers“, they are insectivorous.