The lemon-throated leaf warbler is a species of Old World warbler in the family Phylloscopidae. It is endemic to the Philippines found on the islands of Luzon, Negros and Cebu.
Region
Philippine Archipelago
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Philippines, occurring on Luzon, Negros, Cebu, and nearby highland ranges where intact forest remains. It favors montane and submontane broadleaf forests, mossy forest edges, and well-vegetated ridgelines. The species also uses secondary growth near primary forest, especially along streams and forest edges. It typically occupies dense foliage from the understory to mid-canopy, where it gleans insects from leaves and twigs.
Altitude Range
300–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, lively leaf warbler with a distinctive lemon-yellow throat, it belongs to the Old World warbler family Phylloscopidae. It forages restlessly among foliage, often joining mixed-species flocks in montane forests. Though patchily distributed across several Philippine islands, it can be locally common where suitable forest persists.
Temperament
active and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, darting movements through foliage
Social Behavior
Often forages singly or in pairs, frequently joining mixed-species flocks of small insectivores. Nests are typically domed or cup-like and placed low in dense vegetation or on banks. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding, using soft contact calls to remain in touch while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high-pitched series of thin trills and see-see notes, delivered in short, repeated phrases. Calls are sharp and sibilant, aiding contact in dense foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with paler underparts and a bright lemon-yellow throat and upper breast; clean, neat appearance with fine feathering suited to foliage-gleaning. A pale supercilium and faint wingbars may be visible, contrasting subtly with the olive mantle.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaf surfaces, twigs, and epiphytes, occasionally hovering to pick items from the underside of leaves. Foraging is quick and methodical, with frequent short hops and flits between perches.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense foliage of submontane and montane forests, especially along edges, gaps, and streamside vegetation. It often works the understory to mid-canopy layers where insect abundance is high. Secondary growth adjacent to primary forest can also provide suitable foraging sites.
