The pale-legged leaf warbler is a species of Old World warbler in the family Phylloscopidae. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1860. It is found in Manchuria; it winters in Southeast Asia. Its natural habitat is temperate forests.
Region
East Asia and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in northeastern China (Manchuria), the Russian Far East, and the Korean Peninsula in cool temperate mixed and deciduous forests. In migration and winter it spreads through southern China and mainland Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, and south through the Malay Peninsula to parts of Sumatra and Borneo. It uses forest edges, secondary growth, riparian woodland, and wooded parks with dense understory. The species forages primarily in the lower to mid canopy but may descend to shrubs.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small leaf warbler breeds in northeastern Asia and winters widely across Southeast Asia. It is notoriously difficult to separate visually from the closely related Sakhalin leaf warbler, with identification often relying on voice. Its pale, flesh-colored legs and long whitish supercilium are helpful field clues. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1860.
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between branches
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs during breeding, becoming more tolerant and joining mixed-species flocks in winter. Nests are cup-shaped and often placed low in dense vegetation or on the ground. Both sexes participate in territorial defense during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
High-pitched, rhythmic series of thin notes, often accelerating and slightly rising, given in repeating phrases. Call is a sharp, piercing chip; song is a key character used to distinguish it from the similar Sakhalin leaf warbler.
Plumage
Plain olive-brown to greenish-olive upperparts with whitish to pale gray underparts and slight grayish wash on flanks; typically lacks distinct wingbars.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, flies, and spiders. Gleans prey from leaves and twigs with rapid, precise movements. Will occasionally sally to catch flying insects. During migration and winter it exploits insect-rich edges and secondary growth.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory to mid-canopy of broadleaf and mixed forests, especially along edges and riparian corridors. Also uses wooded parks, thickets, and regenerating scrub with dense foliage.
