The eastern crowned warbler is a species of Old World warbler in the family Phylloscopidae. It inhabits boreal and temperate forests in the east Palearctic.
Region
East Palearctic and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in the Russian Far East, northeastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan, favoring mature mixed and deciduous forests. During the non-breeding season it migrates to Southeast Asia, wintering from southern China and Myanmar through Thailand and the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra and Borneo, and occasionally the Philippines. It uses forest interiors, edges, and wooded river valleys, and during migration can appear in parks and large gardens. It typically keeps to mid to upper canopy levels while feeding.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This leaf warbler is best recognized by its bold pale median crown stripe bordered by darker lateral crown stripes. It forages high in the canopy, often hover-gleaning insects from foliage. On migration and in winter it readily joins mixed-species flocks. It can be confused with Arctic Warbler, but lacks wingbars and shows the distinctive crowned head pattern.
Temperament
shy and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile darting in the canopy
Social Behavior
Breeds singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within forested habitats. Nests are typically domed and placed on or near the ground among leaf litter or low vegetation. Outside the breeding season it becomes more gregarious, joining mixed-species flocks while foraging. Parental care is shared, with both adults feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A clear, melodious series of whistles and trills delivered from high perches, often in descending phrases. Calls are thin, high 'tsit' or 'tsee' notes, given frequently while foraging. The song carries well through the canopy but lacks the harshness of some similar leaf warblers.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with whitish to pale yellow underparts; clean, unbarred wings. Distinct pale median crown stripe flanked by darker lateral crown stripes; a faint supercilium and pale throat. Fine, neat feathering suited for canopy foraging.
Diet
Primarily consumes small insects and their larvae, including caterpillars, beetles, and flies, along with spiders. It gleanes prey from leaves and twigs and will hover-glean to pick items from the undersides of foliage. Occasionally takes small berries during migration when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in mid to upper canopy of mature forests, along edges, and in wooded ravines. During migration it can be found in secondary growth, parks, and gardens with tall trees.
