The three-banded warbler is a species of bird in the family Parulidae. It is found in Ecuador and Peru. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs on the west slope and foothills of the Andes in southern Ecuador and northern Peru. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, especially mossy cloud forest with dense understory. The species also uses forest edges, riparian thickets, and secondary growth, and can persist in heavily degraded former forest if cover remains. It forages low to mid-levels, often along shaded ravines and stream corridors.
Altitude Range
800–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small New World warbler is a close relative of the three-striped warbler and was long treated as part of the same species complex. It is an active skulk of Andean cloud-forest undergrowth and often joins mixed-species flocks. Its common name refers to the bold head striping that forms three contrasting bands across the crown. Despite habitat loss in parts of its range, it remains locally common in suitable montane forests.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups within territories. Frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks moving through the understory and midstory. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed low, on banks or in dense vegetation; both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a sweet, fast series of clear whistles that accelerate slightly and then trail off. Calls include sharp chips and thin high tsit notes, often given while moving through cover.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with yellow underparts and a slightly brighter yellow throat. Head shows strong patterning with a bright central crown stripe flanked by darker lateral crown stripes, a pale supercilium, and a dark eye-line. Wings lack obvious bars; tail and wings are dusky-olive. Overall appearance is clean and bright with crisp facial contrasts.
Diet
Primarily gleans small insects and other arthropods from leaves, vines, and moss, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It will sally short distances to snatch prey and occasionally probes clusters of dead leaves. Small berries may be taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in dense understory, along forest edges, and beside streams where insect activity is high. Often forages at 1–4 meters above ground, keeping to shaded, humid microhabitats and following mixed flocks to exploit disturbed prey.
