The Kamchatka leaf warbler is a species of leaf warbler. It was formerly included in the "Old World warbler" assemblage. It is closely related to the Arctic warbler and the Japanese leaf warbler, to which it was formerly considered conspecific.
Region
Northeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in the Russian Far East, including the Kamchatka Peninsula, Sakhalin, and the Kuril Islands, as well as Hokkaido in northern Japan. During migration it passes through eastern China, Korea, and Japan. In winter it occurs in parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Indonesia, using both primary and secondary forests. It favors forest edges, willow and birch thickets, and riparian scrub in its breeding range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Kamchatka leaf warbler was split from the Arctic warbler complex and is closely related to the Japanese leaf warbler. It breeds in the Russian Far East and northern Japan and migrates to Southeast Asia for the non-breeding season. Identification hinges on subtle vocal and genetic differences from its close relatives, with song being a key field character.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, darting movements through foliage
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs on the breeding grounds and territorial during the nesting season. Nests are typically placed low or on the ground in dense vegetation. Outside the breeding season it may join mixed-species flocks while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a fast, dry, trilling series with clear, metallic notes, differing subtly from Arctic and Japanese leaf warblers. Calls are sharp ‘tiks’ and thin ‘tsip’ notes used during foraging and migration.
Plumage
Olive-green to gray-olive upperparts with clean whitish underparts and a slight buff wash on the flanks; lacks obvious wingbars. A long, pale supercilium contrasts with a darker eye-line; fine, pointed bill and relatively long primary projection.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, flies, and spiders. Gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to catch flying insects. May take small berries opportunistically outside the breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shrubs and lower to mid-canopy of birch, willow, and mixed conifer-broadleaf forests. In winter it uses secondary growth, forest edges, and wooded gardens.
