The dusky warbler is a leaf warbler which breeds in the east Palearctic. The genus name Phylloscopus is from Ancient Greek phullon, "leaf", and skopos, "seeker". The specific fuscatus is from Latin fuscus "dark".
Region
East Palearctic and South Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds widely in the east Palearctic, especially across Siberia, Mongolia, and northeastern China, favoring shrubby habitats near wetlands and forest edges. During migration and winter it spreads through the Indian subcontinent, southern China, and parts of Southeast Asia. It frequents dense thickets, reedbeds, riverine scrub, and overgrown clearings, often close to water. In winter it readily uses secondary growth, edges of paddy fields, mangroves, and gardens. It is adept at remaining concealed while foraging low in vegetation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, skulking leaf warbler breeding across Siberia and northeast Asia, the dusky warbler winters in South and Southeast Asia. Its sharp "tack" call is distinctive and often the best way to detect it in dense cover. It is a regular vagrant to western Europe and occasionally North America, where identification challenges include separation from Radde’s warbler.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct through cover
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, nesting low in dense vegetation or on the ground in a cup-shaped nest. Pairs are territorial, with the male singing from concealed perches. In winter, it may join loose mixed flocks with other small insectivores while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a fast, chattering warble delivered from within cover, less musical than many other leaf warblers. The call is a sharp, metallic "tack" or "tek" note, repeated singly or in series and given frequently while foraging.
