Styan's grasshopper warbler, also known as Pleske's grasshopper warbler and Taczanowski's warbler, is a species of Old World warbler in the family Locustellidae. It breeds in eastern Siberia to Korea, Kyushu and Izu Islands; wintering in South China. Its natural habitats are temperate shrubland, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, and swamps. It is threatened by habitat loss. Its name recognises the naturalist and collector, Frederick William Styan.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in the Russian Far East, northeastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and parts of Japan (including Kyushu and the Izu Islands). It favors dense, damp shrublands, reedbeds, and rank grass near wetlands, river margins, and coastal thickets. In winter it is found chiefly in southern China, using reedbeds, overgrown ditches, and marshy scrub. During migration it may appear in overgrown fields, wet meadows, and coastal brush. It avoids open forest and very exposed grassland, remaining close to dense cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Pleske's grasshopper warbler or Taczanowski's warbler, it is a secretive skulker best detected by its insect-like reeling song that can carry surprisingly far. It breeds in dense wet shrublands and reedbeds and winters mainly in southern China. Habitat loss and degradation of coastal marshes and low thickets are the primary threats to this species.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and undulating over vegetation
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, with males holding small territories and singing from concealed perches. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense grass or shrubs near wet areas. Clutches are usually several eggs, and both adults remain close to cover while foraging. Outside breeding, it remains unobtrusive and rarely forms large flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A long, high-pitched, insect-like reeling trill reminiscent of a grasshopper, often delivered from deep cover. Most vocal at dawn and dusk, and sometimes continues reeling for extended periods. Calls include thin ticks and soft chips when alarmed.
