The Hainan leaf warbler or Hainan leaf-warbler is a species of Old World warbler in the family Phylloscopidae. It is endemic to mountains of southern Hainan Island, China.
Region
South China
Typical Environment
Occurs in the montane evergreen broadleaf forests of southern Hainan Island. It favors mature forest with a dense understory, forest edges, and ravines, and may use secondary growth adjacent to intact stands. The species moves mainly through mid- to upper-canopy foliage, gleaning from leaves and twigs. It is recorded in protected areas such as Jianfengling, Bawangling, and Wuzhishan. Local altitudinal movements may occur outside the breeding season.
Altitude Range
600–1800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny leaf warbler is confined to a handful of mountain ranges on Hainan Island, China. It often joins mixed-species foraging flocks with tits and other small insectivores, moving restlessly through foliage. Identification relies on subtle plumage cues and voice, making it a challenge even for experienced birders. Conservation depends on protecting Hainan’s remaining montane evergreen forests.
Temperament
active and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, fluttering hops between branches
Social Behavior
Often joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season, moving quickly through canopy and midstory. Breeding pairs defend small territories in dense montane forest. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs or among dense vegetation. Both parents participate in raising the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of trills and see-see phrases delivered in short bursts. Calls include sharp tsip notes used to keep contact within flocks. Song can carry surprisingly well in dense forest but remains delicate and high-pitched.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with yellowish wash below and clean pale underparts; two pale wingbars and a clear supercilium.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It gleans methodically from leaves and fine twigs and occasionally hover-gleans to pick prey from leaf surfaces. In cooler months it may take small larvae hidden in rolled leaves and sometimes nibbles soft plant matter incidentally while foraging.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in montane evergreen broadleaf forest, especially along edges, gaps, and ravines with dense foliage. Often forages in the mid to upper canopy but will descend into the understory in mixed flocks.
