The Choco warbler is a South American species of bird in the family Parulidae. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and heavily degraded former forest. The bird was split from the golden-bellied warbler.
Region
Chocó bioregion (western Colombia to northwestern Ecuador)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill to montane forests on the Pacific slope of the Andes, primarily within the Chocó region. It frequents dense understory, forest edges, second growth, and riparian thickets. Birds often stay low, foraging from near ground level up to the mid-understory. It tolerates some habitat degradation but remains closely associated with structurally complex, moist forest.
Altitude Range
100–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Chocó warbler is part of the New World warbler family (Parulidae) and was split from the golden-bellied warbler complex based on vocal and plumage differences. It is a shy understory insect-hunter that often joins mixed-species flocks in humid forests. The species is tied to the Chocó bioregion and is most frequently encountered near forest edges and along streams.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through the understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Often joins mixed-species flocks moving along streams and forest edges. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low, typically in dense vegetation or banks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a bright, sweet series of thin, accelerating notes and trills delivered from low perches. Calls are sharp chips and soft tsee notes used to keep contact while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with bright yellow underparts and a clean, contrasting face pattern. Shows a yellow to yellow-green supercilium over dusky auriculars; crown and nape olive. Wings and tail olive with minimal pattern; feathers smooth and unspotted.
Diet
Primarily takes small arthropods such as insects, larvae, and spiders. It gleans from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles, and occasionally probes mossy substrates. Foraging is quick and deliberate, often as part of mixed flocks that stir up prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory and along shaded stream margins within humid forest. It also works forest edges and regenerating second growth where cover remains thick.
