Sykes's warbler is an Old World warbler in the tree warbler family. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the booted warbler, but is now considered a full species. Its breeding range is from northeast Arabia to Turkestan, west China and Afghanistan. Like the booted warbler, many populations of the species migrate in winter to the Indian subcontinent as far south as Sri Lanka.
Region
Central and Southwest Asia; Indian Subcontinent (winter)
Typical Environment
Breeds from northeast Arabia and southern Turkmenistan east through Afghanistan and western China in arid and semi-arid lowlands. It occupies riverine scrub, tamarisk stands, desert edges, and cultivated oases. During the non-breeding season it spreads widely across Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, frequenting hedgerows, fallow fields, and scrubby margins. Passage birds occur in Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, especially along wadis and coastal scrub.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Sykes's warbler was long treated as a subspecies of the booted warbler but is now recognized as a full species. It favors dry, shrubby habitats and tamarisk thickets, often near watercourses in otherwise arid landscapes. On migration and in winter it is a regular visitor across the Indian subcontinent, sometimes reaching Sri Lanka. Identification hinges on its longer, slimmer bill and sandy tones compared with booted warbler.
Sykes's warbler in Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Protecting territory from Lesser Whitethroat at Kutch
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs; forms territorial breeding pairs in dense low shrubs. The nest is a small cup placed low in bushes or tamarisk, and both parents feed the young. Outside the breeding season it forages alone but may loosely associate with other small insectivores.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A fast, chattering warble with dry rattles and short trills, delivered from low perches within scrub. Notes are clipped and repetitive, sometimes including brief mimicry of other species. Call is a sharp tik or tack when alarmed.
