The Cyprus warbler is a warbler species in the family Sylviidae which breeds only on Cyprus. This small passerine bird is a short-distance migrant, and winters in Israel, Jordan and Egypt.
Region
Eastern Mediterranean
Typical Environment
Breeds across Cyprus in dry maquis, phrygana, and garrigue with dense low shrubs such as Cistus, Sarcopoterium, and juniper. During winter it moves to the Levant and north-eastern Egypt, using wadi thickets, coastal scrub, and semi-arid shrublands. It prefers mosaics of open ground and dense cover for foraging and nesting. Within Cyprus it is more frequent where traditional scrub habitats persist and human disturbance is low.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Cyprus warbler breeds only on Cyprus but is a short-distance migrant, wintering mainly in Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. Males are distinctive with a black throat and heavily streaked breast, helping separate them from the similar Sardinian warbler. It favors low, thorny scrub and maquis, often perching atop shrubs to deliver a fast, scratchy song. Local changes in scrub cover and overlap with Sardinian warblers can influence where it occurs on the island.
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights between shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs during the breeding season, maintaining small territories in dense scrub. Builds a small cup nest low in shrubs and lays a clutch of 3–4 eggs. Outside breeding, it may form loose associations in suitable wintering scrub but remains fairly inconspicuous.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Fast, scratchy warble with rattling phrases delivered from shrub tops or within cover. Calls include dry tacks and churring notes, sharper and harsher than many other Sylvia warblers.
