The Sichuan leaf warbler is a species of leaf warbler found in central China. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Central China
Typical Environment
Occurs in Sichuan and adjacent provinces of central China, inhabiting moist broadleaf and mixed forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It tolerates heavily degraded former forest and scrubby hillsides where sufficient understory exists. Birds forage from the lower to mid canopy, also descending to thickets along streams and clearings. Breeding is typically in dense cover, with nests placed low in vegetation or near the ground.
Altitude Range
500–2600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sichuan leaf warbler is a small, active Phylloscopus warbler confined to central China, where it forages tirelessly in foliage for tiny arthropods. Its high, thin song helps separate it from similar regional leaf warblers like the Emei and Gansu leaf warblers. It often joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season and readily uses secondary growth and degraded forest.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, defending small territories in dense vegetation. Outside breeding, it commonly joins mixed-species flocks of small insectivores. Nests are dome-shaped or cup-like structures placed low in shrubs or close to the ground, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A high-pitched, thin series of trills and sibilant notes delivered from within foliage, often accelerating slightly. Call notes are sharp, high chips that carry surprisingly well in dense understory.
