Phylloscopus griseolus
Sulphur-bellied Warbler
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.
Length
11cm to 12cm
Wingspan
16cm to 18cm
Weight
7g to 10g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown
Secondary Colour
Yellow Buff
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Brown
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
1,000 to 5,240 meters
Temperate, Subtropical
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Global Population Estimate
Not quantified
Global Population Trend
Olivaceous Leaf Warbler
Main predators include small raptors such as sparrowhawks, as well as nest predators like martens, squirrels, and some corvids.
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website: BirdLife International. 2024. Phylloscopus griseolus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22715278A263913947.
View sourceother: Lifespan estimate based on similar species