The black-faced warbler is a species of bush warbler. It was formerly included in the "Old World warbler" assemblage.
Region
Himalayas and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the eastern Himalayas (Nepal, Bhutan, northeast India) through northern Myanmar into southwest and south-central China (including Yunnan) and parts of northern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It favors subtropical and temperate montane broadleaf forests with dense understory and bamboo thickets. The species is commonly found along forest edges, ravines, and streamside vegetation. It may descend to lower elevations in winter, especially along valleys with thick shrub cover.
Altitude Range
800–2600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-faced warbler is a small bush warbler noted for its bold black facial mask and bright, lively demeanor in forest undergrowth. It often joins mixed-species foraging flocks, making it more detectable by its sharp, tinkling calls. Nests are typically pouch-like structures suspended low over streams or dense vegetation. Despite its restricted montane habitat, it is currently assessed as of Least Concern.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently accompanies mixed-species flocks in the midstory and understory. Nest is a deep pouch or domed cup woven from grasses and fibers, often suspended over water or low in dense shrubs. Both parents participate in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a bright, tinkling series of high-pitched notes delivered in short bursts. Calls include thin tsit and sharp chips used to keep contact within flocks and to signal alarm.
Plumage
Compact warbler with olive-green upperparts and bright yellow underparts, contrasting with a slate-grey crown and a crisp black facial mask. A bold white supercilium and often a pale throat set off the dark face. Wings and tail are olive-brown with subtle edging; plumage appears smooth and cleanly marked rather than streaked.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and their larvae, including caterpillars, beetles, and flies, as well as spiders. Forages by gleaning from leaves and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to snap prey in midair. It methodically works through dense foliage, often following mixed flocks to exploit disturbed prey.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds in dense shrubbery, bamboo clumps, and along streamside vegetation within montane forests. It uses lower to mid-level foliage and favors areas with thick cover for protection while foraging.
