Radde's warbler is a leaf warbler which breeds in Siberia. This warbler is strongly migratory and winters in Southeast Asia. The genus name Phylloscopus is from Ancient Greek phullon, "leaf", and skopos, "seeker". The specific schwarzi commemorates German astronomer Ludwig Schwarz (1822–1894).
Region
Siberia and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
In the breeding season it inhabits damp thickets and riparian scrub in taiga and mixed forests from southern Siberia and northern Mongolia east to northeast China and the Russian Far East. It favors dense undergrowth, willow and alder stands, and forest edges. In winter it moves to southern China and northern Southeast Asia, using secondary growth, bamboo thickets, and shrubby parks and gardens with heavy cover.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Radde's warbler is a secretive leaf warbler that breeds across southern Siberia and northern East Asia and winters in southern China and northern Southeast Asia. It is often detected by its sharp, dry 'tchak' call rather than seen, as it keeps to dense undergrowth. The common name honors naturalist Gustav Radde, while the species epithet commemorates German astronomer Ludwig Schwarz.
Temperament
skulking and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats close to cover
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, holding small territories in dense cover. The nest is a cup placed on or near the ground in thick vegetation; clutch size is usually 4–6 eggs. Both parents feed the nestlings, and family groups may stay together briefly after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a simple, repetitive warble with harsh, chipping qualities delivered from low perches inside cover. The common call is a sharp, dry 'tchak' or 'chak' that often gives away its presence.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with warmer brown tones and buff-washed underparts; no wing bars. Plumage appears uniformly plain but with contrasting facial pattern and warm buff flanks and undertail coverts.
Diet
Primarily small insects and their larvae, along with spiders and other tiny invertebrates. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs, often low in the shrub layer. Occasionally it makes short sallies or hover-gleans to take concealed prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense undergrowth, willow and alder thickets, forest edges, and scrubby riparian zones. In winter it also uses secondary growth, bamboo, and well-vegetated gardens and parks.
