Sulphur-bellied Warbler

Least Concern

Phylloscopus griseolus

The tenacious songster expertly navigates steep rocky hillsides from Kashmir to Nepal, flashing its distinctive pale yellow underparts as it forages for insects.

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

© 2025 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Passage

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 25
Adaptability 78
Aggressiveness 35
Endurance 72

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

Typical Lifespan Range 3 - 5 years [1]
0
2
4
5
7

years

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

Least Concern [2]

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

Global Population Trend

Stable[3]

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

Predators

Main predators include small raptors such as sparrowhawks, as well as nest predators like martens, squirrels, and some corvids.

Did You Know?

  1. The Sulphur-bellied Warbler is one of the few Phylloscopus warblers that doesn't have a prominent wing bar.
  2. It's an altitudinal migrant, moving up and down mountains seasonally rather than travelling long distances.
  3. Despite its name, the yellow on its belly can vary in intensity and is sometimes quite pale.

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References

  1. 2 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2024. Phylloscopus griseolus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22715278A263913947.

    View source
  2. 1

    other: Lifespan estimate based on similar species