Blyth's leaf warbler is a species of leaf warbler. It was formerly included in the "Old World warbler" assemblage.
Region
Himalayas and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in montane and submontane forests from the Himalayas east through northeastern India, Bhutan, Myanmar, and southern China, with wintering ranges extending into northern Southeast Asia. Prefers mixed broadleaf–conifer forests, rhododendron and oak stands, and well-vegetated forest edges. In winter it descends to lower elevations, using secondary growth, wooded ravines, and gardens near forest. Often found in the mid to upper canopy where it actively forages among leaves and twigs.
Altitude Range
300–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named after the British zoologist Edward Blyth, this small leaf warbler is often separated from look‑alike Phylloscopus species by its pale median crown stripe and two wingbars. It is an active foliage-gleaner that frequently joins mixed-species flocks in montane forests. Its thin, high-pitched trills can be surprisingly far-carrying in dense canopy.
Temperament
restless and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often joins mixed-species flocks with other small insectivores while foraging in the canopy. Breeds in montane zones where it builds a domed or cup-shaped nest low in vegetation or on the ground, well concealed in dense cover. Both parents typically feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched trills and sweet, slightly descending phrases. Calls include sharp, high tsiip notes that can be given repeatedly while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with paler whitish to buff underparts; clean, crisp feathering suited to foliage gleaning. Shows a strong pale supercilium, a faint pale median crown stripe, and two pale wingbars on darker wings.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and their larvae, including caterpillars, aphids, and beetles. Also takes spiders and other small arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Occasionally hawks short distances to snatch prey flushed from foliage.
Preferred Environment
Forages primarily in the mid to upper canopy of montane forests, along forest edges, and in secondary growth. In winter, also uses well-vegetated gardens and wooded ravines near forest.
