The eastern subalpine warbler is a small Sylviidae warbler which breeds in the southernmost areas of Europe. It was first described by the German naturalist Peter Simon Pallas in 1764 and given the binomial name Motacilla cantillans. The specific cantillans is Latin for "warbling" from canere, "to sing".
Region
Mediterranean Basin
Typical Environment
Breeds in southern Italy, Sicily, the Balkans, Greece, and western Turkey, favoring dry Mediterranean habitats with dense low shrubs. Typical breeding environments include maquis, garrigue, phrygana, olive groves, and scrubby forest edges. In the nonbreeding season it moves to North Africa, using semi-arid scrub, wadis, and thorny bushland. It keeps close to cover, often foraging within 1–2 meters of the ground. During migration it can appear in coastal thickets and island scrub.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The eastern subalpine warbler is a small, active warbler of Mediterranean scrub that was long treated within the broader subalpine warbler complex before being split as a distinct species. First described by Pallas in 1764 (originally as Motacilla cantillans), it breeds from southern Italy through the Balkans to western Turkey and winters in North Africa. Males show a clean white throat and bold white moustachial stripe that contrast with rufous underparts—useful features for field identification. It forages low in dense shrubs, often staying hidden while delivering a fast, scratchy song.
Curruca cantillans inornata - MHNT
Curruca cantillans cantillans - MHNT
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, with males holding small territories and performing brief song-flights. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense shrubs. Outside the breeding season it may join loose mixed-species flocks in suitable scrub. Pair bonds are usually seasonal and monogamous.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A fast, scratchy warble with rattling phrases delivered from cover or during short song-flights. Calls include sharp tacks and soft trrt notes. The song can be variable but generally brisk and chattering.
Plumage
Male with slate-grey head and upperparts, clean white throat bordered by a bold white moustachial stripe, and warm rufous underparts; wings slightly darker with pale fringes. Female and immature birds are browner-grey above with buffy underparts and a less contrasting throat. Feathers appear smooth and close-fitting, aiding its sleek, skulking look.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and flies. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs, makes short sallies to catch flying insects, and occasionally probes flowers and seed heads. In late summer and autumn it supplements its diet with small berries such as juniper, pistachio, and other fleshy fruits.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense Mediterranean scrub, hedgerows, and thorny bushes, typically 0.5–2 m above ground. During migration and winter it favors similar low, bushy cover in semi-arid areas and along dry watercourses.
