Martens's warbler, also known as Omei warbler or Emei Shan warbler, is a species of Old World warbler in the family Phylloscopidae. It was first described in 1999. It is found in China and Myanmar. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Southwest and Central China to northern Myanmar
Typical Environment
Occupies montane evergreen broadleaf and mixed conifer–broadleaf forests, typically with a dense shrub or bamboo understory. It favors forest edges, thickets along streams, and regenerating secondary growth where insect prey is abundant. Birds generally breed at mid to higher elevations and may shift downslope in the non-breeding season. Occurs locally in Sichuan and Yunnan, extending to adjacent northern Myanmar.
Altitude Range
1000–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the German ornithologist Jochen Martens, Martens's warbler was only described in 1999 after being distinguished from similar leaf warblers by subtle plumage and vocal differences. Also called the Omei or Emei Shan warbler, it is part of a complex group where song is crucial for identification. It forages actively in dense montane forest, often joining mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile flits between branches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, keeping to dense foliage. Outside breeding, it often joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are cup-shaped and well concealed in low shrubs or ground vegetation, with clutches of a few eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a high-pitched, fast series of thin whistles and trills, delivered from inside canopy or subcanopy. Calls are sharp, high notes that can be hard to locate in dense cover.
