The grey-sided bush warbler is a species of bush warbler. It was formerly included in the "Old World warbler" assemblage.
Region
Himalayas and Southwest China
Typical Environment
Breeds in dense shrublands, bamboo thickets, and rhododendron undergrowth across the central and eastern Himalayas into southwestern China. It favors forest edges, regenerating scrub, and steep gullies with tangled cover. In winter it descends to lower elevations, using foothill scrub, tea gardens, and secondary growth. Local populations may undertake short-distance or altitudinal movements following weather and food availability.
Altitude Range
1200–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A shy skulker of dense montane scrub, it is far more often heard than seen, and birders usually detect it by its sharp ticking notes and sweet trills. It was formerly grouped within the broad “Old World warbler” assemblage but is now placed in the bush warbler family Cettiidae. The species nests low in thick vegetation, building a domed or cup-like nest close to the ground. During the nonbreeding season it often shifts downslope to milder foothills.
Illustration by Keulemans, 1881
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, keeping to dense cover. Nests are placed low in shrubs or grass tussocks, with both sexes involved in territory defense. Courtship occurs within tight territories marked by persistent song.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A sharp series of ticking notes followed by sweet, clear trills that carry well through scrub. Calls include dry chips used to maintain contact in dense cover.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a warmer brown crown and nape, contrasted by cool grey sides and flanks. Underparts are whitish to buffy on the throat and belly, often with a slight wash on the breast. Shows a fine pale supercilium, dark eye-line, and frequently cocks its tail. Plumage is plain overall, built for camouflage in dense vegetation.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects, spiders, and other arthropods. It gleans prey from leaves, stems, and the ground layer, often making short dashes to seize moving insects. Occasionally takes small berries when invertebrates are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages within tangled shrubs, bamboo, and low understory where it can remain concealed. Often works along forest edges and regenerating thickets, especially near clearings and streams.
