The plain leaf warbler is a species of Old World warbler in the family Phylloscopidae. It is found in Afghanistan, Bahrain, India, Iran, Oman, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan.
Region
Central and Southwest Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in arid foothills and river valleys from northeastern Iran and southern Turkmenistan across Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, with occurrences in adjacent Central Asia. In the non-breeding season it ranges to southern Iran, the Arabian Peninsula (including Oman, UAE, and Bahrain), Pakistan, and northwest India. It favors desert-edge scrub, tamarisk thickets along wadis and rivers, irrigated farmlands, orchards, and gardens in oases. Typically it stays low in vegetation, moving methodically through foliage to glean prey.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, drab leaf warbler adapted to arid scrub and riparian thickets, the plain leaf warbler is aptly named for its very plain plumage and lack of wing bars. It breeds in Central Asia and moves south and southwest in winter to the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent. It forages restlessly in low shrubs and small trees, often in tamarisk and orchards, gleaning tiny insects from foliage. Its simple, high-pitched song and soft contact calls help detect it in otherwise quiet desert oases.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, darting flights
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs during breeding; small loose flocks or mixed-species associations may form in winter. Likely monogamous, with a cup-shaped nest placed low in dense shrubs or ground vegetation. Both adults are attentive to the nest area and remain secretive while breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a simple, high-pitched series of repeated notes or short phrases, delivered from low perches within shrubs. Calls include soft, dry ticks and thin seee notes used to maintain contact while foraging.
