The mountain chiffchaff or eastern chiffchaff is a species of leaf warbler found in the Caucasus and Tian Shan. It is an altitudinal migrant, moving to lower levels in winter. The nominate subspecies is similar to the Siberian chiffchaff, but with a finer darker bill, browner upperparts and buff flanks; its song is almost identical to the common chiffchaff, but the call is a weak psew. P. s. lorenzii is warmer and darker brown than the nominate race; it is sympatric with common chiffchaff in a small area in the Western Caucasus, but interbreeding occurs rarely, if ever. The mountain chiffchaff differs from tristis in vocalisations, external morphology and mtDNA sequences. Its two subspecies appear to be distinct vocally, and also show some difference in mtDNA sequences.
Region
Caucasus and Tian Shan
Typical Environment
Breeds in the Caucasus and ranges east through the Tian Shan, occupying subalpine scrub, open conifer margins, and willow–birch thickets. It favors steep slopes, river gullies, and shrubby meadows where cover is dense but open feeding perches are available. In winter it descends into foothills and valleys, using riparian corridors, orchards, gardens, and parkland. Local movements track snow cover and insect availability.
Altitude Range
600–3800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The mountain chiffchaff is a small leaf warbler of high-elevation scrub and conifer fringes in the Caucasus and Central Asia. It is an altitudinal migrant, descending to lower valleys in winter. Its song closely resembles the common chiffchaff, but the call is a soft, weak psew. Two subspecies are recognized, with the Caucasian form (lorenzii) generally warmer and darker than the nominate.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief dashes between shrubs
Social Behavior
Territorial and mostly solitary during the breeding season; pairs form monogamous bonds. Nests are low, often domed and hidden in dense ground vegetation or shrub bases. Outside breeding, small loose flocks may form, sometimes mixing with other leaf warblers.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a repetitive, rhythmic chiff-chaff sequence, very similar to the common chiffchaff. The call is a soft, weak psew, differing from the stronger call notes of related taxa.
