The Rote leaf warbler is a species of passerine bird in the family Phylloscopidae. It is endemic to Rote Island in Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands, where it lives in primary deciduous forest and secondary forest.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
This species is restricted to Rote Island, where it occupies primary deciduous monsoon forest as well as secondary forest, woodland edges, and scrubby regrowth. It forages in the understory to mid-canopy, frequently along forest margins and clearings. It may also occur in agroforestry mosaics with remnant trees, provided there is sufficient shrub and canopy cover. Riparian corridors and patches of intact forest are especially important as foraging sites.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Rote leaf warbler was described as a distinct species only recently and is confined to Rote Island in Indonesia. It inhabits dry monsoon forests, often using secondary growth and edges, and forages actively among foliage. Its song is a rapid series of high, thin notes typical of leaf warblers, and it shows subtle morphological traits such as a relatively long, fine bill. Because it occurs on a single small island, it may be vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation.
Temperament
active and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs while foraging, and it often joins mixed-species flocks in suitable forest. Breeding is presumed to involve a small cup or domed nest placed low in vegetation. Both sexes likely participate in parental care, as in many Phylloscopus warblers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high-pitched, rapid series of thin trills and buzzy notes, delivered in short phrases. Calls are sharp, high chips used to keep contact while moving through foliage.
Plumage
Small leaf warbler with olive-green upperparts and yellowish to buff underparts, a neat pale supercilium, and generally clean, fine-textured plumage.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods including insects, spiders, and larvae gleaned from leaves and twigs. It picks prey from the undersides of foliage and occasionally makes short sallies to catch flying insects. Foraging is typically methodical and continuous, with brief pauses to scan for movement.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in understory and mid-story foliage of monsoon forest, second-growth thickets, and wooded edges. It also exploits riparian vegetation and tree-lined clearings where insect activity is high.
