Cetti's warbler is a small, brown warbler in the family Cettiidae, which breeds in southern and central Europe, northwest Africa and the east Palearctic as far as Afghanistan and northwest Pakistan. The sexes are alike. The bird is named after the 18th century Italian zoologist, Francesco Cetti. This species is often difficult to see because of its skulking habits.
Region
Western Palearctic
Typical Environment
Breeds widely across southern and central Europe, northwestern Africa, and eastward through the western and central Palearctic to Afghanistan and northwest Pakistan. It favors dense, damp habitats such as reedbeds, willow and tamarisk thickets, riverbanks, marsh edges, and overgrown ditches. In winter it remains in similar cover, sometimes shifting locally to areas with milder microclimates. It avoids open woodland and dry scrub away from water. Urban parks with dense waterside vegetation can also host the species.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Cetti's warbler is a skulking, waterside warbler best detected by its loud, explosive song delivered from deep cover. The sexes look alike, with warm brown upperparts and a faint pale eyebrow. It often flicks and cocks its rounded tail as it moves through dense vegetation. Named after the Italian zoologist Francesco Cetti, it has expanded northward in parts of Europe in recent decades.
Eggs MHNT
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats in low, direct dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, with males strongly territorial and singing from concealed perches. Nests low in dense vegetation near water, often producing multiple broods in a season. Outside breeding, individuals remain in dense cover and are rarely seen in open areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A very loud, explosive series of sharp, metallic phrases delivered abruptly from cover. Calls include a sharp 'tchik' or 'tchak' note, often given when alarmed. Song is frequently the first and only sign of its presence.
