The shade bush warbler or shade warbler is a species of bird in the family Cettiidae. It is found only in Solomon Islands, where it is endemic to the island of Makira . Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forests and tropical moist montane forests above 600m. It feeds on insects in the undergrowth and on the ground.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
Endemic to Makira Island, inhabiting primary and mature secondary tropical moist forests. It favors dense tangles, thickets, and vine-laced understory along forest floors and stream margins. The species occurs from lowland forest into montane slopes and is reported to be more regular above roughly 600 m. It tolerates some disturbance where understory cover remains intact.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known simply as the shade warbler, this skulking bush-warbler is restricted to Makira in the Solomon Islands. It keeps to dense, shaded understory where it forages close to the ground. Formerly placed in the genus Cettia, it is now usually treated as Horornis. Its persistent, ringing song often betrays its presence long before the bird is seen.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low through dense cover
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, moving quietly through dense understory. Nests are placed low in thick vegetation, often as a domed or well-concealed cup. Both parents likely participate in provisioning the young, as in many bush warblers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, ringing series of clear notes delivered from concealed perches, often with repetitive phrases. Calls include sharp ticks and thin, metallic chips that cut through background forest noise.
