The Lemon-rumped Warbler, also known as the Pale-rumped
Region
Himalayas and southwestern China
Typical Environment
Breeds in montane coniferous and mixed broadleaf–conifer forests with rhododendron understorey. Frequently uses forest edges, clearings, and scrubby slopes. In the non-breeding season it descends to foothill forests, wooded valleys, and well-vegetated secondary growth, sometimes visiting parks and gardens near forest. It ranges from northern Pakistan and India through Nepal and Bhutan into Tibet, Sichuan, and Yunnan, with wintering movements into the Himalayan foothills and northern Southeast Asia.
Altitude Range
1200–4000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Lemon-rumped Warbler, also known as the Pale-rumped Leaf Warbler, is a tiny, hyperactive leaf warbler of the Himalayas and adjacent China. It is best told by its distinct lemon-yellow rump and twin pale wingbars, features that help separate it from similar greenish warblers. It often joins mixed-species flocks in winter and forages restlessly among outer foliage. Its high, thin calls can be easier to detect than the bird itself.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often joins mixed-species foraging flocks outside the breeding season, moving restlessly through outer foliage. Breeding pairs are territorial, with a small cup nest placed low in dense vegetation or on the ground among tussocks. Clutch care is primarily by the female, with the male assisting in territory defense.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of accelerating seee-tsee notes and tinkling trills. Calls are very high, sharp tsip or seee that carry well through conifers and can be easier to locate than the bird.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a contrasting pale lemon-yellow rump and whitish to pale yellow underparts; two narrow pale wingbars and a well-defined pale supercilium. Fine, pointed bill and relatively plain crown without a bold central stripe. Overall appearance is clean, greenish, and bright-rumped.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and arthropods, including aphids, caterpillars, beetles, flies, and spiders. Gleans prey from leaves, buds, and twigs, often hover-gleaning at the tips of branches. Will occasionally sally short distances to snatch flying insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of conifers and mixed forests, especially along edges and in sunlit outer foliage. In winter, also uses scrub, secondary woodland, and wooded gardens near forest.
