The Rodrigues warbler is a species of Old World warbler in the family Acrocephalidae.
Region
Mascarene Islands, western Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Rodrigues, using patches of native and regenerating forest, coastal and montane scrub, and dense thickets. It favors areas with layered understory and tangles of shrubs where it can forage and nest. Restoration sites with native vegetation have become key strongholds. It avoids open, heavily degraded habitats and is scarce in urban areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to Rodrigues Island in the Mascarene archipelago, this Old World warbler survived dramatic declines from habitat loss, invasive predators, and cyclones. Intensive habitat restoration and predator control have helped populations rebound in reserves like Grande Montagne and Anse Quitor. It nests low in dense shrubs, which makes it vulnerable to storms and disturbance. Its song is a lively, chattering warble delivered from exposed perches above thickets.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, maintaining territories year-round. Pairs build cup-shaped nests low in dense shrubs or small trees. Breeding often coincides with wetter periods when insect prey is abundant. Both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively, chattering warble with varied phrases and occasional mimicry, often delivered from a prominent perch. Calls include sharp tacks and soft chatter used in contact and alarm contexts.
Plumage
Plain olive-brown upperparts with paler, buffy underparts and a slightly warmer wash on the flanks; plumage is smooth and unpatterned overall with a faint eyebrow.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates such as caterpillars, beetles, flies, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and probes among tangles and leaf litter. Occasional aerial sallies are used to snap up flying insects. It rarely takes small fruit or nectar.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense shrubs, thickets, and forest edges, especially in regenerating native vegetation. Ravines, hedgerows, and reserve habitats with complex understory structure are preferred.
