The Blackcap breeds throughout most of Europe and into North Africa and western Siberia. During the winter birds from the north and east of Europe move south, many as far as sub-Saharan Africa. Some continental birds, however, winter in Britain and these photos were taken in Edinburgh during the winter.

The male, seen in the first two photos is dark olive-grey above and light olive-grey below and it has a small black cap. The female and juveniles look similar but have a brownish cap as can be seen in photos 3 and 4.