The island leaf warbler is a species of Old World warbler in the family Phylloscopidae. It is found in an area ranging from the Moluccas to the Solomon Islands. It has 16 subspecies.
Region
Eastern Indonesia to the Solomon Islands
Typical Environment
Found on numerous islands from the Moluccas and Lesser Sundas east through New Guinea and adjacent archipelagos to the Solomon Islands. It inhabits primary and secondary forests, forest edges, and wooded gardens. Frequently uses the midstory and canopy but will descend to lower strata in edge habitats. It tolerates some habitat modification and can persist in regenerating forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, active Old World warbler, the island leaf warbler ranges from the Moluccas through New Guinea to the Solomon Islands and includes many island-endemic subspecies. It forages restlessly among leaves and twigs, gleaning tiny insects and larvae. Its name refers to the often grayish head in many subspecies.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups; readily joins mixed-species flocks in forest midstory. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed in low vegetation or sheltered spots. Pairs are territorial during breeding but otherwise loosely gregarious.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched series of thin trills and sweet, tinkling notes delivered from cover. Calls include sharp chips and soft seee notes used while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with yellowish underparts and a clean, pale supercilium; many forms show a grayish crown and nape. Wings are plain to slightly panelled with minimal barring. Fine, neat feathering gives a smooth, leaf-warbler appearance.
Diet
Primarily small insects and their larvae, including caterpillars, beetles, and flies. Also takes spiders and other small arthropods. Forages by gleaning from leaves, buds, and twigs, occasionally making short sallies to snatch prey.
Preferred Environment
Midstory and canopy foliage in forest and well-wooded habitats. Often along edges, clearings, and secondary growth where insect activity is high.
