Laura's woodland warbler is a species of Old World warbler in the family Phylloscopidae. It is found in Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia. It is named in honour of Laura Boulton, an American ethnomusicologist.
Region
South-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia, favoring mature woodland and forest edges. It is closely associated with moist evergreen and miombo (Brachystegia) woodlands on plateaus and montane foothills. Birds forage from the understory to the mid-canopy, frequently along edges, riverine thickets, and lightly disturbed secondary growth. They avoid heavily cleared or intensively cultivated areas and are most numerous where continuous woodland cover remains.
Altitude Range
700–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Laura's woodland warbler is a small Old World warbler named for the American ethnomusicologist Laura Boulton. It forages actively among leaves and twigs, often joining mixed-species flocks in forest and woodland. Although currently not considered at risk, it depends on intact woodland and is sensitive to habitat degradation and fragmentation.
Temperament
active and discreet
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick hops between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, it commonly joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Pairs maintain small territories during the breeding season and nest in concealed sites close to the ground or low shrubbery. Parental care is shared, with discreet provisioning to avoid predators.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a high-pitched series of thin trills and sweet, wheezy phrases delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls are short, sibilant chips used to keep contact while moving through foliage.
