The citrine warbler is a species of bird in the family Parulidae. The term citrine refers to its yellowish colouration. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Andes of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia in humid montane forests. Prefers cloud forests with dense moss, epiphytes, and bamboo thickets, and often uses forest edges and clearings with secondary growth. Frequently forages from the understory to midstory, sometimes venturing into the lower canopy. It is generally tied to intact or semi-intact moist forest, but can persist in partially degraded habitats. Often detected by voice rather than by sight due to its active, concealed foraging style.
Altitude Range
1800–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The citrine warbler is a bright yellow Andean warbler whose name refers to its citrine (lemon-yellow) coloration. It often joins mixed-species flocks in mossy cloud forests, moving quickly through foliage as it gleans insects. Formerly placed in the genus Basileuterus, it is now widely treated as Myiothlypis. Its simple, high-pitched song carries well through humid montane forests.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forages in pairs or family groups and commonly joins mixed-species flocks moving through the understory and midstory. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low, often in banks, among ferns, or at the base of dense vegetation. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding but are tolerant of flock associates outside of core nesting areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of clear notes and short trills delivered from low perches within the forest. Calls include sharp chips and high tseet notes, used to keep contact within flocks.
Plumage
Bright yellow head and underparts with olive to yellow-olive upperparts; plumage lacks bold head stripes and wing bars, giving a clean, saturated yellow look. Subtle dusky auriculars and slightly grayer crown tones may be present in some populations.
Diet
Primarily consumes small insects and other arthropods, gleaned from leaves, moss, and epiphytes. Picks larvae and spiders from curled leaves and bromeliads, occasionally sallying short distances to catch flushed prey. May take small quantities of other invertebrates depending on availability.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in humid montane forest understory and midstory, especially in areas with dense moss, vine tangles, and bamboo. Often follows mixed-species flocks along forest edges and light gaps where prey is more exposed.
