The Arabian warbler, also known as Red Sea warbler or Blandford's warbler, is a species of Old World warbler in the family Sylviidae. It is found in Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Israel, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Its natural habitat is dry savanna country where it is often found in patches of Acacia.
Region
Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea rim
Typical Environment
Occurs around the Red Sea in northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, including Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and Somalia. It favors dry thorn scrub and acacia-dominated wadis, semi-desert edges, and rocky slopes with scattered bushes. The species is most often found near ephemeral watercourses or in patches of Acacia and similar shrubs. It avoids dense forests and completely barren dunes, preferring mosaic habitats with cover for foraging and nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Often seen in arid thorn scrub where it keeps low and moves between acacia bushes with a flicking, fanned tail that flashes white outer feathers. It is sometimes called Red Sea warbler or Blandford's warbler and is closely associated with wadis and other sparsely vegetated habitats. Pairs are territorial and can be surprisingly vocal at dawn. Its populations are patchy but it tolerates harsh, dry conditions better than many warblers.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating dashes between shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically encountered as single birds or pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs defend small territories centered on productive acacia patches and wadis. Nests are placed low in thorny shrubs; clutches are small and both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A brief, scratchy warbler song with metallic trills and buzzy phrases delivered from within shrubs or low perches. Calls include sharp tacks and scolding chatters when disturbed.
Plumage
Sandy-brown to grey-brown upperparts with paler underparts and a clean whitish throat; long, often cocked tail with prominent white outer feathers. Subtle facial mask with slightly darker ear-coverts and a faint pale supercilium. Feathers appear smooth and close-fitting, aiding a sleek profile in scrubby habitats.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, ants, and spiders, gleaned from foliage and branches. It also hawks short distances to snatch flying prey. Seasonal consumption of small berries may occur when insect availability dips, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Forages within thorny acacia and other dry scrub, methodically working mid to lower levels of bushes. Frequently uses wadis and bushy slopes that provide both cover and scattered open ground for short sallies.
