- Lifespan
- 5–8 years in the wild
- Size & Weight
- 11–12 cm, wingspan 16–22 cm; 7–9 g
- Habitat
- Open woodlands, scrubland, parks, gardens, and areas with scattered trees and shrubs, particularly those with birch and willow.
- UK Distribution
- Summer breeding visitor throughout the UK from late March to September, arriving earlier than Chiffchaff. Absent during winter, migrating to sub-Saharan Africa.
- Diet
- Primarily small insects and spiders, especially gnats, midges, flies, and small caterpillars, gleaned from foliage and caught in flight.
- Prey
- Small insects and arachnids
- Predators
- Sparrowhawks, Eurasian Kestrels, and corvids; eggs and chicks vulnerable to magpies, jays, and weasels.
- Mating Season
- April to July
- Breeding
- Clutch size 4–8 eggs (typically 6), incubation period 13–14 days, fledging at 11–15 days. Usually single-brooded, occasionally double-brooded.
- Behaviour
- Highly active and restless, constantly moving through vegetation whilst foraging. Males are highly territorial and vocal in spring, producing a distinctive melodious song. Often feeds high in foliage but descends to lower levels when alarmed.