The chestnut-crowned warbler is a species of leaf warbler. It was formerly included in the "Old World warbler" assemblage.
Region
Himalayas and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayas through northeastern India and Bhutan into Myanmar, southern China (including Yunnan), and parts of Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It favors subtropical and temperate montane broadleaf forests with dense undergrowth. The species is frequently found along forest edges, ravines, and bamboo thickets where it can glean insects from foliage. It uses mid- to lower-canopy strata but will descend to shrubs and vine tangles. Local altitudinal movements occur outside the breeding season.
Altitude Range
600–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The chestnut-crowned warbler is a distinctive leaf warbler recognized by its rich chestnut crown and bold white 'spectacles' around the eye. It often joins mixed-species flocks in montane forests and is nearly always on the move while foraging. Formerly lumped within the broad 'Old World warbler' group, it is now placed in Phylloscopidae. Its thin, high-pitched song can be surprisingly far-carrying in dense forest.
From Khangchendzonga National Park, West Sikkim, India.
Temperament
restless and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups and readily joins mixed-species flocks with other montane insectivores. Nests are typically domed and placed low in banks or dense ground cover. Breeding occurs in spring to early summer, with both adults involved in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of titters and trills, delivered in quick phrases. Calls include sharp tseep notes and soft, sibilant seee elements that carry through dense foliage.
Plumage
Bright greenish upperparts with yellowish underparts and a clean whitish throat; a rich chestnut crown bordered by darker lateral crown stripes. Bold white eye-crescents form 'spectacles' around the dark eye. Wings are plain with little to no obvious wingbars; overall a neat, smooth-feathered appearance.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects, spiders, and their larvae. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs, often inspecting the undersides of foliage. Hover-gleaning and brief sallies are used to pick off active insects. It frequently forages methodically through vine tangles and bamboo.
Preferred Environment
Most active in dense understory and mid-canopy of montane broadleaf forest, including bamboo patches and along shaded streams. Common at forest edges and in mixed-species foraging parties, where it exploits disturbed foliage for flushed prey.
