The Asian desert warbler is an Old World warbler which breeds in the deserts of central and western Asia and the extreme east of Europe, and migrating to similar habitats in southwestern Asia and the far northeast of Africa in winter. Until recently it was considered conspecific with the African desert warbler, but is now given specific status. The two are still each other's closest living relatives, and their relationships to other typical warblers are not clear. They may be fairly close to the common whitethroat; particularly, female whitethroats look much like a richly coloured Asian desert warbler. But it seems that all these three taxa are fairly basal members of the genus.
Region
Central and Western Asia; wintering in Southwest Asia and Northeast Africa
Typical Environment
Breeds in arid and semi-arid deserts and steppes from the Caspian and Central Asian basins eastward, including sandy plains with scattered shrubs. It favors habitats with low, thorny bushes, tamarisk, saxaul, and other halophytic scrub, as well as wadis and semi-desert margins. In winter it moves to similar scrubby deserts and coastal semi-deserts in Southwest Asia and the far northeast of Africa. It avoids dense vegetation and forests, keeping close to open ground and low cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Once lumped with the African desert warbler, it is now treated as a separate species and remains its closest relative. It frequents sparse, shrubby deserts where it often cocks and fans its tail, flashing white outer tail feathers. Its warm sandy tones can resemble female common whitethroats, but the pale yellow eye and desert-loving habits help separate it.
Desert warbler at Kutch
Temperament
skulking yet active in low scrub
Flight Pattern
low, fluttering flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, keeping close to low bushes. Monogamous pairs nest low in shrubs, building a small cup; both parents feed the young. Outside breeding, small family parties may form and birds can join loose mixed foraging groups in winter.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A soft, scratchy warble with rattling trills and short, hurried phrases often delivered from a bush-top. Calls include dry ticks and a thin tchek, with a subdued chattering scold when alarmed.
Plumage
Sandy-brown upperparts with a warmer rufous tinge on wings and tertials, pale buff underparts and a whitish throat. Shows a faint pale supercilium and a long, slightly graduated tail with white outer tail feathers often flashed when flicked. The overall look is plain and sandy with fine, neat feathering.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders gleaned from low shrubs and the ground. It will also take small larvae and occasionally soft berries or seeds in the non-breeding season when insects are scarce. Prey is picked methodically from twigs and leaves, with short sallies to snatch flushed insects.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in sparse, low shrubs like tamarisk and saxaul, along bushy wadis, and on open sandy ground with scattered cover. Often forages within a meter of the ground, making short hops between bushes and brief sorties after insects.
