The mountain leaf warbler is a songbird species from the leaf warbler family (Phylloscopidae). It was formerly included in the "Old World warbler" assemblage.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found in montane forests of Sundaland, especially on Sumatra, Java, and Borneo where it inhabits mossy, evergreen highland forest. It frequents mid- to upper-elevation broadleaf forest, forest edges, and ridgelines. The species is most numerous in intact, humid cloud forest but can persist in lightly disturbed habitats. It often forages in the mid-canopy and along densely vegetated trails and gullies.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small leaf warbler of Southeast Asian mountains, it belongs to the family Phylloscopidae and was formerly grouped with the Old World warblers. Its name trivirgatus refers to the subtle three-striped pattern on the head. It often joins mixed-species flocks and is notably active, gleaning insects among mossy branches.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks with other small insectivores. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation, banks, or mossy roots. Both parents participate in raising the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched trills and seee notes delivered in short phrases. Calls are sharp, slightly sibilant chips that carry through the forest understory. The song can be easily overlooked amid insect noise due to its high frequency.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with yellow to yellowish-olive underparts and a neat, clean appearance. The head shows a pale supercilium with darker lateral crown stripes and a faint pale median crown stripe, giving a three-striped impression. Wings typically lack bold wingbars, though very faint edging may be seen. Plumage is soft and slightly mossy-toned, blending well with montane foliage.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods, including beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs, often hover-gleaning to pick items from the underside of foliage. Occasionally snatches small flying insects with quick sallies.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-story and lower canopy of humid montane forest, along mossy branches and epiphyte-laden limbs. Also feeds along forest edges, bamboo patches, and shaded trails.
