Bianchi's warbler is a species of leaf warbler. It was formerly included in the "Old World warbler" assemblage.
Region
East and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in montane forests of central to southern China and disperses south in the non-breeding season to northern Indochina. Occupies evergreen and mixed broadleaf-conifer forests with dense understory, forest edges, and secondary growth. In winter it frequents lower elevations including wooded valleys, scrubby hillsides, and plantation edges. Often associates with mixed flocks while foraging through the canopy and midstory.
Altitude Range
600–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Bianchi's warbler is a small leaf warbler once placed in the broad 'Old World warbler' assemblage and formerly in the genus Seicercus. Modern genetic work places it within Phylloscopus and shows it forms a cryptic complex with similar species distinguished best by song. It is a restless canopy gleaner that often joins mixed-species flocks in winter. Its high, tinkling song is a key field clue in dense montane forests.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds in pairs that defend small territories in dense montane forest. The nest is usually placed low in vegetation or on the ground, well concealed in moss or grass tufts. Outside the breeding season it forages singly or in small groups and commonly joins mixed-species canopy flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a high-pitched, tinkling series of trills and phrases that may accelerate or rise slightly in pitch. Calls are thin, sharp 'tsit' notes given while foraging.
Plumage
Small, greenish leaf warbler with olive-green upperparts and pale whitish to yellow-tinged underparts; typically shows a clean pale supercilium and two narrow, pale wingbars.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, flies, and spiders. Gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. During cooler periods it increases gleaning in sunlit foliage and may probe moss and bark crevices.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the midstory to upper canopy of montane broadleaf and mixed forests. In winter it also uses forest edge, bamboo thickets, and shrubby secondary growth.
