The streaked scrub warbler, also known simply as the scrub warbler, is a small passerine bird. It is the only species placed in the genus Scotocerca. It is found in northern Africa and south-western Asia. It is a bird of desert fringes, frequenting scrubby areas, ravines and gorges, and is mainly resident, although local movements can occur outside the breeding season.
Region
North Africa and Southwest Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Maghreb and the northern Sahara east through Egypt and the Sinai into the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq and Iran. It inhabits desert fringes, wadis, rocky slopes, ravines and gorges with scattered shrubs and low bushes. Prefers areas with thorny scrub, tamarisk, acacia, or other drought-tolerant shrubs that provide both cover and foraging substrate. Often stays close to the ground, moving between vegetated patches in otherwise barren landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The streaked scrub warbler is the sole member of its genus, adapted to life on desert fringes and rocky scrub. It keeps its long, graduated tail cocked and fanned, often flicking it while it forages low in shrubs. Despite living in harsh, arid habitats, it remains locally common and discreet, slipping through cover with mouse-like movements.
Eggs of Scotocerca inquieta saharae MHNT
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and fluttering
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, sometimes with family groups after breeding. Monogamous pairs nest low in dense shrubs, building a domed nest with a side entrance. Territorial during breeding, they keep to well-vegetated patches within otherwise open desert.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, rapid, tinkling warble with metallic notes, delivered from within a shrub or a low perch. Also gives sharp contact calls while moving through cover.
