Sylvia Warblers
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Worldwide there are 24 species of Sylvia Warblers and 13 have been seen in the UK; of these, 5 breed and 4 are extremely rare. Some Blackcap and Dartford Warblers over winter here, but harsh winters can have a detrimental effect on their numbers. In January 2007 a Lesser Whitethroat, believed to be of the Central Asian form halimodrendri overwintered at Lelant, near Hayle. A possible Desert Lesser Whitethroat (minula) was found at Porthcurno in November 2007. This family are birds that inhabit dense thickets and woodland. they are sturdily built and have heavy bills and strong feet. This is the only warbler genus where the male and female are usually dissimilar.