The brown-flanked bush warbler, also known as the brownish-flanked bush warbler, is a species of bush-warbler of the family Cettiidae. It was formerly included in the "Old World warbler" assemblage. It is found in Himalayas, South China and Southeast Asia.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayas (Nepal, India, Bhutan) east through northern Myanmar and into South China and northern Indochina, including Laos and Vietnam. Prefers dense shrub layers in montane forests, forest edges, bamboo thickets, and overgrown clearings. In winter it may descend to lower elevations and occupy secondary growth and scrub. It is seldom seen in open habitats, favoring shaded, tangled vegetation near slopes and streams.
Altitude Range
500–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Formerly placed in the Old World warbler assemblage, this species is now in the family Cettiidae. It is a shy, ground-hugging skulker that keeps to dense undergrowth and often betrays itself by a loud, ringing song. The bird frequently flicks and cocks its long tail while foraging. Several subspecies occur across the Himalayas, South China, and Indochina.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, maintaining small territories in dense undergrowth. Nests are placed low, often domed or well-hidden in thick vegetation. The female primarily incubates while the male delivers persistent territorial song nearby. Outside breeding, individuals remain unobtrusive and scattered.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is loud, clear, and metallic for such a small bird, with repeated sharp whistles and tinkling phrases. Calls include sharp ‘tchak’ notes and thin, high ‘tsee’ contact calls delivered from concealed perches.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with warm brown flanks and a paler, grayish-white throat and belly; tail relatively long and often held cocked. Fine, pale supercilium and slightly darker eye-line. Overall smooth, unbarred plumage suited to camouflage in dense cover.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and ants. Gleans prey from leaves, stems, and the forest floor, often making short hops through tangled vegetation. Occasionally takes small berries when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages low in dense shrubs, bamboo, and understory tangles, often near forest edges and along stream gullies. Uses cover to move methodically while remaining hidden, emerging briefly to snatch prey before retreating.
