Distribution and habitat Garden warbler

deciduous woodland preferred breeding habitat.

the garden warbler breeds in of europe between 12–28 °c (54–82 °f) isotherms , east across temperate asia yenisei river in siberia. range extends further north other sylvia warbler. populations migratory, wintering in sub-saharan africa far south south africa. birds central europe migrate southwest, reorientating south or southeast once in africa, although scandinavian migrants may head south through alps , across mediterranean sea. s. b. woodwardi reaches africa more easterly route, many birds passing through arabian peninsula. when garden warblers cross sahara, fly @ night, resting motionless , without feeding in suitable shade during day. during journey, can metabolise not body fat 19% of breast , leg muscles , 39% of digestive tract. many birds pause few days feed after desert crossing before continuing further south.

the nominate subspecies occurs in western , central parts of winter range, although birds occur far east kenya. s. b. woodwardi winters in eastern , southern africa. movements in africa poorly known, although @ least birds return same location in subsequent years. there handful of records of birds recorded in europe in winter, corsica, uk , ireland. spring migration routes poorly known, appear lie more directly across mediterranean. warbler has occurred vagrant in afghanistan, djibouti, iceland, são tomé , príncipe, somalia, yemen, svalbard, jan mayen , madeira.

the breeding habitat of garden warbler open areas dense bushes, including thickets , woodland edges. shady areas , bushy or herbaceous undergrowth preferred, woods adjacent rivers or reed beds. tolerance of willow, alder , birch allows breed farther north , @ higher altitudes other european sylvia warbler. mature conifers , dense plantations avoided, although young conifer plantations thick undergrowth suitable nesting. despite name, not bird of gardens. in africa, wide range of habitats trees used, although closed forests , arid areas again avoided. warbler occurs @ altitudes of 2,600 m (8,500 ft) in suitable mountain woodland, although in east africa found @ lower altitude blackcap, , in moister areas common whitethroat.