The eastern Bonelli's warbler, sometimes known as the Balkan warbler, is a warbler in the leaf warbler genus Phylloscopus. It was formerly regarded as the eastern subspecies of a wider "Bonelli's warbler" species, but as a result of modern taxonomic developments, they are now usually considered to be two species:Western Bonelli's warbler, Phylloscopus bonelli, which breeds in southwest Europe and north Africa Eastern Bonelli's warbler, Phylloscopus orientalis, which breeds in southeast Europe and Asia Minor
Region
Southeast Europe and Asia Minor (winters in East Africa)
Typical Environment
Breeds across southeast Europe and the Balkans into western Anatolia, favoring dry hillsides with scattered oaks and pines, open mixed woodland, and maquis. It uses rocky slopes and woodland edges with a sparse understory, often on warm, stony terrain. During passage it occurs in scrub, riverine groves, and gardens in the eastern Mediterranean. In winter it occupies savanna, acacia thorn scrub, and dry woodland in eastern sub-Saharan Africa, where it forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Eastern Bonelli's warbler was split from the Western Bonelli's warbler based on differences in vocalizations and genetics. It breeds in the Balkans and Asia Minor and undertakes a long-distance migration to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter. Its song is a fast, rattling trill, while its call is a sharp, dry 'chup', a key clue for identification. Despite its subtle plumage, experienced birders separate it from similar leaf warblers by voice and habitat choice.
Temperament
active and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, flitting movements
Social Behavior
Pairs defend small territories on the breeding grounds, nesting low in scrub or on the ground in a domed nest concealed by vegetation. Outside the breeding season it forages singly or in small loose groups and often joins mixed-species flocks in winter. Both parents feed the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a fast, rattling, fairly even-pitched trill delivered from exposed perches or within the canopy. The typical call is a sharp, dry 'chup' or 'tchup', quite different from the disyllabic call of the Western Bonelli's warbler.
