Yellow-browed Warbler
Phylloscopus inornatus
Visual Identification
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Yellow-browed 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 Yellow-browed Warbler displays remarkable agility, constantly flitting through foliage and hovering briefly to snatch insects. Its active and restless nature, coupled with its ability to navigate dense vegetation, indicates high manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As one of the smallest passerines in Europe, weighing only 5-9 grams, the Yellow-browed Warbler has limited physical strength. Its tiny size constrains its ability to overpower larger prey or defend against substantial threats.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species demonstrates considerable adaptability, evidenced by its recent westward range expansion and ability to survive in varied habitats from taiga forests to coastal areas during migration. Its capacity to join mixed-species foraging flocks also suggests adaptability to different feeding situations.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Yellow-browed Warblers are not known for aggressive behaviour. They primarily focus on foraging and are more likely to avoid confrontation than engage in aggressive displays. However, males may show some territorial behaviour during the breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Despite its small size, the Yellow-browed Warbler undertakes long-distance migrations from northern Asia to southern Asia or even Western Europe. This impressive feat, combined with its ability to survive at elevations up to 2,440 metres, indicates substantial endurance.
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.
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
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:
PhylloscopidaeAverage Lifespan
2 to 4 years
Predators
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.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Phylloscopus inornatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22715310A146638886.
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