The three-striped warbler is a species of bird in the family Parulidae. It was previously considered conspecific with the Tacarcuna warbler and the black-eared warbler. It inhabits the northern Andes, from Venezuela to Peru. The Yungas warbler was previously considered a subspecies.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Andes of western Venezuela through Colombia and Ecuador to northern Peru. It inhabits humid evergreen montane forest, cloud forest, and mature secondary growth, often in dense understory near shaded ravines. The species frequently follows streamside thickets and Chusquea bamboo, where it gleans prey from leaves and moss. It tolerates some habitat disturbance and may use forest edges and shaded agroforestry. Usually found in pairs or small groups within mixed-species flocks.
Altitude Range
800–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Neotropical wood-warbler, the three-striped warbler is named for its striking head pattern: a bright yellow central crown stripe flanked by dark lateral stripes. It forages close to the ground in humid montane forests, often along streams and in bamboo thickets. Pairs commonly join mixed-species flocks, especially when feeding. It was formerly lumped with several close relatives, including the Yungas, Tacarcuna, and black-eared warblers.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Often found in pairs that maintain small territories within dense montane understory. Regularly joins mixed-species flocks while foraging, especially with other understory insectivores. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed low, concealed in vegetation or banks near streams.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, clear series of sweet, accelerating or slightly descending notes, delivered from low perches in dense cover. Calls include sharp chips and thin seee notes used for contact within pairs and flocks.
Plumage
Olive to olive-brown upperparts with yellow underparts, often slightly paler on the throat and belly. The head shows a bold yellow central crown stripe bordered by dark lateral crown stripes and a pale yellowish supercilium. Wings and tail are plain olive without wingbars; underparts typically clean yellow with minimal streaking.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as spiders, caterpillars, beetles, and other insects, gleaned from leaves, moss, and dead-leaf clusters. It probes tangles and bamboo stems and occasionally sallies short distances to snatch flushed prey. May take small berries opportunistically when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shaded understory and along streamside vegetation, particularly in humid montane forest and cloud forest. Frequently works through bamboo patches, vine tangles, and mossy banks, often near the ground to mid-levels.
