Sulphur-bellied Warbler
Least ConcernPhylloscopus griseolus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Sulphur-bellied Warbler is a small warbler with brown upperparts and bright yellow underside. It has a distinctive bright yellow stripe above the eye (supercilium) and a dark eyestripe. The underparts are lemon-yellow, becoming more buff-coloured on the flanks.
Both sexes look similar. Juveniles closely resemble adults but are slightly warmer brown above and have duller yellow below with more buff colouring on the breast.
Size
Length
11cm to 12cm
Wingspan
16cm to 18cm
Weight
7g to 10g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown
Secondary Colour
Yellow Buff
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Brown
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
This species inhabits mountainous regions across Central and South Asia, from Afghanistan and Pakistan east to central China. It prefers coniferous and mixed forests with dense undergrowth at elevations between 1,000 and 5,240 meters.
During the breeding season, it is found at higher elevations, moving to lower altitudes in winter. There has been one rare vagrant recorded in Devon in the UK, recorded in 2021.
Elevation Range
1,000 to 5,240 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Sulphur-bellied Warbler. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Sulphur-bellied Warbler demonstrates remarkable agility through its active foraging behaviour, constantly moving through foliage whilst hunting insects. Its ability to hover briefly and snatch prey from the undersides of leaves, combined with its characteristic wing and tail flicking, indicates excellent manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small warbler weighing only 7-10g, this species possesses limited physical strength. Whilst capable of building domed nests and defending small territories, its diminutive size naturally restricts its strength capabilities compared to larger birds.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Shows strong adaptability through its altitudinal migration patterns and ability to thrive across varied elevations (1,000-5,240m). Its capacity to adjust to seasonal changes by moving between different altitudes and utilising both coniferous and mixed forests demonstrates good environmental flexibility.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst territorial during breeding season and capable of defending its nest, the Sulphur-bellied Warbler is generally non-aggressive. Its solitary nature and preference for avoiding mixed-species flocks suggests a relatively peaceful disposition.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Demonstrates good endurance through its altitudinal migrations and constant foraging behaviour. The ability to maintain active hunting throughout the day, combined with the stamina required for seasonal elevation changes, indicates solid endurance capabilities for its size.
Diet
The Sulphur-bellied Warbler primarily feeds on small insects and their larvae. It gleans these from leaves and branches, often hovering briefly to snatch prey from the underside of foliage.
Occasionally, it may supplement its diet with small berries or seeds, especially during migration.
Behaviour
This warbler is known for its active foraging behaviour, constantly moving through the foliage in search of insects. It often flicks its wings and tail while feeding.
The Sulphur-bellied Warbler is generally solitary or seen in pairs, rarely joining mixed-species flocks.
Vocalisation
The Sulphur-bellied Warbler's song is a series of high-pitched, tinkling notes, often described as 'tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi'.
Its call is a sharp, metallic 'tink' or 'tzit', frequently repeated when alarmed or during foraging. These vocalisations are crucial for identification in its dense habitat.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs from May to July, with pairs forming shortly after arrival at breeding grounds. Males establish territories through song and display flights.
The nest is a domed structure with a side entrance, built on or near the ground, often hidden in dense vegetation or rock crevices. The female typically lays 3-5 white eggs with reddish-brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, who fledge after approximately 14-16 days.
Lifespan
The Sulphur-bellied Warbler typically lives for 3 to 5 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Sulphur-bellied Warbler is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, like many mountain-dwelling species, it may face future challenges due to climate change affecting its habitat. Monitoring of population trends is ongoing to detect any significant changes.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Not quantified
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for movement in the canopy of coniferous and mixed forests
- Listen for its distinctive call, which is often the best way to locate this bird
- Observe its characteristic wing and tail flicking while foraging
- Focus on areas with dense undergrowth in mountainous regions
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Olivaceous Leaf Warbler
Family:
PhylloscopidaePredators
Main predators include small raptors such as sparrowhawks, as well as nest predators like martens, squirrels, and some corvids.
Did You Know?
- The Sulphur-bellied Warbler is one of the few Phylloscopus warblers that doesn't have a prominent wing bar.
- It's an altitudinal migrant, moving up and down mountains seasonally rather than travelling long distances.
- Despite its name, the yellow on its belly can vary in intensity and is sometimes quite pale.
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References
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Phylloscopus griseolus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22715278A263913947.
View source - 1
other: Lifespan estimate based on similar species