The Benguet bush warbler, also known as the Benguet grasshopper-warbler, is a songbird species. Formerly placed in the "Old World warbler" assemblage, it is now placed in the newly recognized family Locustellidae. It is found in the mountains of northern Luzon in the Philippines.
Region
Northern Luzon, Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Cordillera Central and adjacent highlands of northern Luzon. It inhabits dense grassy slopes, scrubby edges of montane forest, and thickets including bamboo and areas with Benguet pine understory. Birds keep to the lower strata, slipping through tussocks and shrubs. It is a local but fairly common resident where suitable habitat persists, including lightly disturbed edges and regenerating areas.
Altitude Range
900–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Benguet grasshopper-warbler, this secretive skulk is most often detected by its insect-like trilling song rather than seen. It was formerly grouped with the Old World warblers but is now placed in Locustellidae. It favors dense grasses and scrub in the highlands of northern Luzon and often keeps low to the ground.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct over vegetation
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or as pairs during the breeding season. Nests are placed low in dense grass or shrubs, well concealed. Males defend small territories with persistent song from hidden perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, insect-like, reeling trill delivered from within cover or from a low perch, often repeated for long periods. Calls are soft ticks and churrs, easily overlooked amid background insect noise.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with fine, subtle streaking on the mantle and back; underparts buffy to grayish with paler throat and belly. Long, graduated tail and soft, dense plumage suited for moving through grass. Overall plain appearance with delicate patterning best seen at close range.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods, including grasshoppers, beetles, and spiders. It gleans prey from grass stems and leaves and also makes short sallies to snatch moving insects. Foraging is methodical and close to the ground, taking advantage of dense cover.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in tall grasses, bamboo thickets, and scrubby edges of montane forest and pine clearings. Uses dense ground cover along trails, landslides, and regenerating patches where invertebrates are abundant.
