The Baikal bush warbler, also known as Baikal grasshopper-warbler or David's bush warbler, is a migratory species of Old World warbler in the family Locustellidae.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in south-central Siberia around Lake Baikal, extending into northern Mongolia and northeastern China. It favors dense, damp vegetation such as sedge meadows, willow and birch scrub, and marshy grasslands near water during the breeding season. In winter it moves south to southern China and northern mainland Southeast Asia, where it uses bamboo thickets, secondary scrub, and forest edge undergrowth. The species keeps close to the ground, moving through tussocks and low shrubs, and often uses cover along streams and wet valleys.
Altitude Range
0–2200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Baikal grasshopper-warbler or David's bush warbler, this secretive Locustellidae warbler breeds around Lake Baikal and migrates to Southeast Asia for winter. Its song is a high, insect-like reeling and ticking, which often gives away its presence in dense cover. Formerly placed in Bradypterus, it is now commonly treated in Locustella. It keeps low to the ground and is more often heard than seen.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during breeding, nesting low in dense grasses or scrub near wet areas. The male sings from concealed perches or low exposed stems to advertise territory. Monogamous pairs defend small territories, and the nest is a well-hidden cup.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a high-pitched, insect-like reeling interspersed with rapid ticking trills, delivered persistently from cover. Calls include dry ticks and sharp chips, often given when flushed.
Plumage
Plain warm-brown upperparts with minimal streaking, paler buffy-gray underparts and whitish throat, and slightly darker tail often held cocked. Undertail coverts show dusky chevrons or barring; wings are uniformly brown. A faint pale supercilium and subtle face pattern are present, with fine, soft-textured feathers adapted to dense cover.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small invertebrates, including beetles, caterpillars, moths, spiders, and other arthropods. Gleans prey from low foliage, stems, and leaf litter, and occasionally sallies a short distance to seize insects. In wetter habitats it probes among sedges and rushes for larvae.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense sedge beds, reed margins, willow scrub, and rank grass near water during breeding. In winter it uses bamboo undergrowth, scrubby edges, and tangles in secondary woodland.
