The Palau bush warbler is a species of Old World warbler in the family Cettiidae. It is found only in Palau.
Region
Micronesia, Western Pacific
Typical Environment
Endemic to Palau, it inhabits dense understory of primary and secondary forests, scrubby thickets, and forest edges. It frequents limestone and volcanic substrates with abundant leaf litter. The species often stays close to the ground in tangled vegetation, along stream margins, and in regenerating forest patches. It tolerates moderate habitat disturbance provided sufficient dense cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 250 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, ground-loving warbler, the Palau bush warbler skulks through dense understory and is more often heard than seen. Its loud, repetitive song carries through forest thickets, especially at dawn and dusk. It adapts well to secondary growth and forest edges, which has helped keep its population stable despite its small island range.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct through cover
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within dense undergrowth. Nests are concealed low in vegetation or near the ground. Pairs communicate with soft calls while foraging and become more vocal during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, repetitive series of sharp notes and trills delivered from concealed perches. Calls include dry ticks and chips, often given while moving through thick cover.
