The Bangwa forest warbler or Bangwa scrub warbler is a species of Old World warbler in the family Locustellidae. It is native to the Cameroonian Highlands forests.
Region
Cameroonian Highlands and adjacent southeastern Nigeria
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane evergreen forest, forest edges, and dense secondary scrub. It often uses bracken, bamboo, and fern-choked gullies where it can move unseen. The species keeps close to the ground or low shrubs, slipping through tangles and leaf litter. It can tolerate some habitat disturbance if dense cover remains, including along old clearings and paths.
Altitude Range
900–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy, ground-loving warbler is most often detected by its fast, insect-like trill rather than seen. It favors dense montane undergrowth and secondary scrub along the Cameroonian Highlands. Formerly grouped with Old World warblers, it is now placed in the grassbird family Locustellidae. Habitat loss is a concern locally, but it persists in disturbed thickets where cover remains.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, furtive dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, holding small territories in dense cover. Nests are placed low in thickets or near the ground, likely cup-shaped and well concealed. Breeding pairs defend nesting areas with song and soft calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, insect-like trill or reeling series delivered from concealed perches. Calls are thin, high-pitched ticks and seep notes that can be hard to locate.
