The eastern Orphean warbler is an Old World warbler of the genus Curruca. This species occurs in summer around the Mediterranean, through the Balkans via Turkey, the Caucasus and surrounding regions to Central Asia. It is migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.
Region
Mediterranean Basin and Central Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds around the eastern Mediterranean, through the Balkans, Greece, and Turkey, east across the Caucasus and Iran to parts of Central Asia. In winter it migrates to sub‑Saharan Africa, especially the Sahel and East Africa. Prefers dry, open woodlands, maquis, and scrub with scattered trees, as well as orchards and wooded steppe. During migration it also uses coastal scrub and islands. Nests are typically placed in dense shrubs or low trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Eastern Orphean warbler is a large, strong-billed Old World warbler that breeds from the eastern Mediterranean through the Balkans and Turkey to Central Asia, then winters in sub‑Saharan Africa. It was split from the Western Orphean Warbler and tends to have a darker hooded head in adult males. Its loud, fluty, thrush-like song carries far and is often delivered from exposed perches. It helps control insect populations in orchards and open woodlands.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low bounding flights between shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs during the breeding season, holding and defending territories. Builds a cup-shaped nest low in dense shrubs or small trees, with both parents feeding the young. Clutches usually contain 3–5 eggs. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species flocks during migration and on wintering grounds.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A loud, rich, and fluty warble with varied phrases, reminiscent of a thrush and delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp scolding notes and dry tacks used when alarmed.
Plumage
Grey-brown upperparts with clean whitish underparts and a distinct white throat; males show a darker grey hood and mask, females are paler and browner. The bill is strong and slightly decurved, and the tail is fairly long with pale outer feathers.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. Gleans prey from foliage and bark and occasionally makes short sallies to catch flying insects. In late summer and on migration it supplements its diet with berries and small fruits such as figs and grapes.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open woodland, scrub, and orchard edges, working through the canopy of shrubs and low trees. In winter it frequents thorn scrub, acacia thickets, and wooded savanna.
