Menetries's warbler

Menetries's warbler or Ménétries's warbler is a small passerine bird of Southwest Asia belonging to the genus Curruca. The name of the species commemorates Édouard Ménétries, the French zoologist who described the species in 1832. It is closely related to the Sardinian warbler of the Mediterranean basin and is similar to it in appearance.

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Distribution

Region

Southwest Asia and the Middle East

Typical Environment

Breeds from eastern Turkey and the Caucasus through northern and western Iran and adjacent Transcaucasia and Central Asian fringes. It favors semi-arid lowlands, riverine thickets, tamarisk and pistachio scrub, and field margins with scattered bushes. Outside the breeding season it ranges through the Middle East and into parts of northeastern Africa. Migration follows shrub-lined wadis, coastal scrub, and riparian corridors where cover and insects are abundant.

Altitude Range

0–2000 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size12–13.5 cm

Wing Span16–19 cm

Male Weight0.012 kg

Female Weight0.011 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Menetries's warbler is a small, skulking warbler of Southwest Asia, named for the French zoologist Édouard Ménétries who described it in 1832. It is closely related to the Sardinian warbler but is paler and more subtle in coloration, with a distinctive habit of flicking its tail to reveal white outer tail feathers. It keeps low in scrub and thickets, often giving harsh scolding calls when disturbed.

Gallery

Menetries's warbler (Curruca mystacea) from United Arab Emirates

Behaviour

Temperament

skulking and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Generally seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, keeping to dense low cover. Builds a small cup nest low in shrubs or thorny bushes; clutch typically 3–5 eggs. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the nestlings.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

Song is a dry, scratchy warble of short phrases delivered from inside cover or a low perch. Calls include harsh scolding rattles and ticking notes, often given while tail-flicking.

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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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