Alström's warbler, or the plain-tailed warbler, is a species of Old World warbler in the family Phylloscopidae. It was first described in 1999. It breeds only in China and winters as far as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Its natural habitat is temperate forests.
Region
East Asia and Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in temperate and subtropical montane forests of south-central China, favoring broadleaf and mixed evergreen woodland with dense understory. In the non-breeding season it disperses to lowland and foothill forests, secondary growth, and forest edges across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It forages from the lower understory to mid-canopy, often in shaded thickets and bamboo. Shrubby ravines and streamside vegetation are frequently used.
Altitude Range
500–2600 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Alström's warbler, also known as the plain-tailed warbler, was described in 1999 after being split from the golden-spectacled warbler complex. It is named in honor of the Swedish ornithologist Per Alström. The species breeds in China and migrates to mainland Southeast Asia for the non-breeding season. It is a secretive leaf warbler that often joins mixed-species flocks while foraging.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Often joins mixed-species flocks in the non-breeding season. Pairs during the breeding season and nests low in dense vegetation or on banks, with both parents attending young. Generally territorial on breeding grounds but tolerant in winter foraging flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A high-pitched, thin warble composed of clear whistles and delicate trills. Calls are soft, sibilant ‘tsip’ notes that may be repeated in quick series when moving through foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with cleaner whitish underparts and a yellow-washed throat and face. Shows a pale, sometimes broken eye-ring creating a ‘spectacled’ look and a narrow pale supercilium. Tail appears plain without contrasting white edges.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, flies, and spiders. Gleans prey from leaves and twigs and will hover-glean to pick items from the underside of foliage. Occasionally takes tiny berries when insects are scarce, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory, bamboo patches, and along forest edges and streamside thickets. Utilizes mid-story foliage in mixed and evergreen broadleaf forests, often moving methodically through cover.
