Balearic warbler is a warbler species of the genus Curruca. It is endemic to the Balearic Islands, apart from Menorca. It groups with the Marmora's warbler, Tristram's warbler and the Dartford warbler.
Region
Western Mediterranean
Typical Environment
Occurs on Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera, Cabrera and nearby islets, inhabiting dry coastal and upland scrub. It favors garrigue and maquis with Cistus, rosemary, juniper and broom, often on rocky slopes and edges of open pinewoods. The species avoids dense forests and heavily urbanized zones, preferring dense, low shrubs for cover and nesting. It is typically encountered in wind-sheltered thickets and along scrubby ravines.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small warbler is confined to Spain’s Balearic Islands (absent from Menorca) and favors low Mediterranean scrub. It is closely related to Marmora’s and Dartford warblers and often cocks and flicks its long tail while foraging. The species shows a distinctive reddish eye-ring and a scratchy, fast song delivered from shrub tops. Subtle differences in tone and throat pattern help separate it from similar grey Sylvia/Curruca warblers.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically encountered as territorial pairs during the breeding season, with both sexes defending dense shrub patches. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in thick cover; clutches usually contain 3–5 eggs. Both parents incubate and feed the young, and pairs may raise more than one brood if conditions allow.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, scratchy warble with rattling phrases, often delivered from the top of a shrub or during short song-flights. Calls include sharp tacks and scolding chatters when alarmed.
