Melodious warbler

The melodious warbler is an Old World warbler in the tree warbler genus Hippolais. It breeds in southwest Europe and northwest Africa. It is migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. This small passerine bird is a species found in open woodland with bushes. Three to five eggs are laid in a nest in a tree or a bush. This is a common bird in many parts of its wide range and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".

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Distribution

Region

Southwest Europe and Northwest Africa

Typical Environment

Breeds from the Iberian Peninsula and southern France into parts of Italy and northwest Africa, favoring open woodland, maquis, garrigue, orchards, vineyards, and hedgerows. It avoids dense closed forests, preferring sunny, shrubby areas and woodland margins. During migration and in winter it uses savanna, thorn scrub, and riparian thickets across the Sahel and adjacent regions. It readily occupies semi-natural farmlands with scattered bushes and small trees.

Altitude Range

0–1500 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size12–13.5 cm

Wing Span18–22 cm

Male Weight0.012 kg

Female Weight0.011 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The melodious warbler breeds in southwest Europe and northwest Africa and winters in sub-Saharan Africa. It favors sunny edges of woodlands, scrub, orchards, and hedgerows, often singing from exposed perches. Its fluid, sweet warble is less imitative than the similar icterine warbler, helping with identification. Nests are neat cups placed in shrubs or low trees, with clutches of three to five eggs.

Gallery

Eggs of Hippolais polyglotta MHNT

Melodious warbler near Ouarzazate, Morocco

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between bushes

Social Behavior

Breeding pairs defend territories, with males singing from exposed perches to advertise. The nest is a neat cup placed low in shrubs or small trees. Clutches usually contain three to five eggs, and both parents feed the nestlings.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

A fluid, sweet, and varied warble delivered at a steady pace, with rich melodic phrases and fewer mimicked elements than similar species. Often sung from prominent perches and can continue for extended bouts.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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