The red-faced woodland warbler is a species of leaf warbler in the family Phylloscopidae. It forms a superspecies with the closely related yellow-throated woodland warbler and the Laura's woodland warbler.
Region
Central and East African montane forests (Albertine Rift)
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane evergreen forests, forest edges, and bamboo thickets of the Albertine Rift and adjacent highlands. It favors mature forest but also uses secondary growth with a well-developed canopy. Birds typically forage from the mid-story to the canopy, moving along foliage and thin branches. It is patchily distributed, tracking cool, moist upland habitats. Local abundance can be high where intact forest persists.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small leaf warbler is part of a superspecies with the yellow-throated woodland warbler and Laura's woodland warbler, differing mainly in facial coloration and range. It is most often detected by its thin, high-pitched song from the mid to upper canopy of montane forests. The species frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks, where its active gleaning stands out. Despite its local specialization, it remains relatively common within suitable habitat.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often joining mixed-species flocks as they move through the canopy. Territorial during breeding, with pairs maintaining small, overlapping foraging routes. Nests are typically concealed low to mid-level in dense vegetation or banked foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of sibilant notes and trills delivered in short phrases. Calls include soft 'tsee' and 'sii' notes that can be hard to localize in dense foliage.
