Yellow-browed Warbler
Least ConcernPhylloscopus inornatus
Visual Identification
Yellow-browed Warbler
Appearance
The Yellow-browed Warbler is a tiny, olive-green warbler with distinctive yellow eyebrows (supercilium) and two pale wing bars. Its underparts are whitish with a slight yellow tinge, and it has a thin, dark bill and legs.
Males and females are virtually identical in appearance. Juveniles closely resemble adults but may have slightly duller plumage and less distinct markings.
Size
Length
10cm to 11cm
Wingspan
15cm to 18cm
Weight
5g to 9g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Olive Yellow
Secondary Colour
White Brown
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Brown
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Yellow-browed Warblers breed in the taiga forests of northern Asia, from eastern Russia to northeastern China. They prefer coniferous and mixed woodlands with a dense understory for nesting.
During winter, they migrate to southern Asia, including India and Southeast Asia. In recent years, increasing numbers have been observed wintering in Western Europe, particularly in the UK, where they are considered rare but regular autumn visitors.
In the UK , sightings are mainly concentrated along the east coast of Scotland and England, with coastal scrubland habitats. Some individuals regularly end up further afield, as far as the coast of Devon and Cornwall in the southwest.
Elevation Range
1,000 to 2,440 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Yellow-browed Warblers primarily feed on small insects and spiders. They glean prey from leaves and branches, often hovering briefly to snatch insects from the undersides of foliage. During migration, they may also consume small berries to supplement their diet.
Behaviour
Yellow-browed Warblers are active and restless, constantly flitting through foliage in search of insects. They often join mixed-species foraging flocks, especially during migration.
These birds have a characteristic habit of frequently flicking their wings while foraging.
Vocalisation
The Yellow-browed Warbler's call is a distinctive, high-pitched 'tsweest' or 'tsu-weet', often repeated. Its song, heard mainly in breeding areas, is a series of high, thin notes that accelerate into a trill, sounding like 'tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi-tsisssss'.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs from late May to July. Males establish territories and attract females with their song and display flights. Pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.
The nest is a small, domed structure made of grass, moss, and leaves, typically placed low in a conifer or shrub. Females lay 4-6 white eggs with reddish-brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 11-14 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 12-14 days. Fledglings remain dependent on parents for another 1-2 weeks.
Lifespan
years
The Yellow-browed Warbler typically lives for 2 to 4 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 Yellow-browed Warbler is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population.
However, like many migratory species, it faces threats from habitat loss in both breeding and wintering grounds, as well as climate change impacts on migration patterns.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Not quantified globally, but 10,000 - 40,000 mature individuals in Europe
Global Population Trend
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for quick movements in the canopy of deciduous and mixed forests
- Listen for their distinctive 'tsweest' call, which often gives away their presence
- Pay attention to mixed feeding flocks, especially during autumn migration
- In the UK, check coastal areas and islands during fall migration for rare sightings
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Family:
PhylloscopidaePredators
Main predators include small raptors such as Sparrowhawks, Merlins, and owls. Nest predators may include corvids, squirrels, and small mammals.
Did You Know?
- Despite its name, the Yellow-browed Warbler's 'eyebrows' can appear white in certain light conditions.
- It's one of the smallest passerines to regularly occur in Europe.
- The species has shown a remarkable westward range expansion in recent decades.
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References
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website: BirdLife International. 2019. Phylloscopus inornatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22715310A146638886.
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