The greenish warbler is a widespread leaf warbler with a breeding range in northeastern Europe, and temperate to subtropical continental Asia. This warbler is strongly migratory and winters in India. It is not uncommon as a spring or early autumn vagrant in Western Europe and is annually seen in Great Britain. In Central Europe large numbers of vagrant birds are encountered in some years; some of these may stay to breed, as a handful of pairs does each year in Germany.
Region
Northern and Central Eurasia
Typical Environment
Breeds from northeastern Europe across the Ural region and much of Siberia into temperate and montane Central Asia. Winters widely across the Indian subcontinent, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Prefers open deciduous and mixed woodland, forest edges, riparian groves, and thickets; during migration and winter it also uses parks, orchards, and gardens. Often associated with birch and willow stands in the breeding range and with well-wooded habitats in winter.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3600 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A classic example in evolutionary biology, the greenish warbler forms a ring species around the Tibetan Plateau, with terminal forms meeting in Siberia that rarely interbreed. It is a notable vagrant to Western Europe and is recorded annually in Britain. Identification can be tricky, as it closely resembles Arctic and Two-barred warblers, but typically shows a single wingbar and a long pale supercilium.
Greenish warbler P.trochiloides from Anamalai Hills, Southern Western Ghats, India
Western greenish warbler,P. (t.) viridianus
Presumed evolution around Himalayas.Yellow: P. t. trochiloidesOrange: P. t. obscuratusRed: P. t. plumbeitarsusgreen: P. t. ludlowiBlue: P. t. viridanusP. t. nitidus of the Caucasus is not shown.
Temperament
restless and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Forages mostly alone or in loose parties, often joining mixed-species flocks in winter. Generally monogamous; males sing persistently from tree canopies in the breeding season. Nests are domed and usually placed on or near the ground in dense vegetation, with clutches commonly of 4–6 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A high-pitched, fast, and musical series of trills and warbles that often accelerates and slightly descends. Calls include a sharp, thin 'tsee-weet' or 'tsoo-eet' given during foraging and migration.
