The eastern olivaceous warbler, known simply as the olivaceous warbler when its western relative is referred to as the 'Isabelline warbler', is a small passerine bird with drab plumage tones, that is native to the Old World. For the most part it breeds in southeastern Europe, the Middle East and adjacent western Asia, and winters in the northern Afrotropics.
Region
Southeastern Europe and Western Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds from Greece and the Balkans across Turkey and the Levant into the Caucasus, Iran, and parts of Central Asia. In winter it moves to the northern Afrotropics, especially the Sahel, Nile Valley, and East Africa. Prefers dry to semi-arid scrub, tamarisk thickets along rivers, orchards, and edges of reedbeds. During winter it uses acacia savanna, thorn scrub, and riparian vegetation. Often occurs near water but can occupy drier farmland hedgerows and gardens.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The eastern olivaceous warbler is a slender, long-billed Old World warbler that breeds from southeastern Europe through the Middle East to western and central Asia, wintering in the northern Afrotropics. It favors shrubby, often riverside habitats and frequently flicks its tail while foraging. Its song is a fast, chattering warble with repeated phrases, softer and less varied than many reedbed warblers. It was formerly grouped with the western olivaceous warbler but is now treated as a separate species.
Eggs of Iduna pallida elaeica MHNT
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, fluttering flights between bushes
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs during the breeding season and territorial around nesting sites. Builds a cup nest low in shrubs or small trees, often near water. Clutches typically contain 3–5 eggs, with both parents feeding the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A rapid, chattering warble with repeated phrases, softer and less varied than reed warblers. Calls include dry tacks and soft chrr notes, often delivered from low cover or a shrub top.
