2-6, see text The Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala) is a
common and widespread typical warbler from the Mediterranean
region. Like most Sylvia species, it has distinct male and
female plumages. The adult male has a grey back, whitish
underparts, black head, white throat and red eyes. Plumages are
somewhat variable even in the same locality, with the intensity
of a reddish hue on upper- and/or underside varies from absent
to (in some subspecies) pronounced. The female is mainly brown
above and buff below, with a grey head. The Sardinian Warbler's
song is fast and rattling, and is very characteristic of the
Mediterranean areas where this bird breeds. Taxonomy and
systematics Together with Menetries' Warbler it forms a
superspecies. Both thave white malar areas and light throats,
and otherwise black theads in adult males, as well as a naked
ring around the eye. The Subalpine Warbler, which seems the
superspecies' closest relative, has a dark throat and breast and
a dark gray upper head in males, but other