The Grande Comore brush warbler is a species of Old World warbler in the family Acrocephalidae. It is found in Comoros and Mayotte. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Comoros Archipelago (including Mayotte)
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, dense secondary growth, and thickets on the slopes of volcanic massifs. It favors tangled understory, forest edges, and riparian thickets where it can forage close to the ground. On degraded sites it may persist in scrub and plantation edges if sufficient cover remains. Nesting typically takes place within dense shrubs or vine tangles.
Altitude Range
300–1700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Grande Comore brush warbler is a skulking Old World warbler that prefers dense undergrowth on volcanic islands of the Comoros archipelago, including Mayotte. It often sings from cover, with males and females sometimes duetting. Habitat loss from agriculture and degradation of montane forests is the main threat. It is closely related to other island brush warblers of the genus Nesillas in the southwest Indian Ocean.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, brief flights between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found alone or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense undergrowth. Pairs are likely monogamous during the breeding season and build cup-shaped nests low in shrubs or vine tangles. They keep to cover and move furtively while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, varied warble of whistles, chatter, and trills delivered from concealed perches. Pairs may engage in soft duets, with phrases repeated and mixed with scolding calls when alarmed.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a slightly rufous wash on the tail and wings; underparts buff to pale whitish with subtle streaking or wash on the flanks. Feathers appear soft and plain, aiding camouflage in dense vegetation. A faint pale supercilium and paler throat are typical.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and ants. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and bark while moving through dense understory. Occasionally takes small berries or other soft plant matter when insect availability is low.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense scrub, forest edges, and understory of moist montane forest, often near clearings or along streamside thickets. Frequently searches low to mid-level vegetation and sometimes the ground among leaf litter.
