Tristram's warbler is a species of Old World warbler in the family Sylviidae. It is found in Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, and Western Sahara. Its natural habitat is subtropical dry shrubland.
Region
Northwest Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across Morocco, Western Sahara, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and parts of Mauritania. Prefers open, arid to semi-arid shrublands with scattered low bushes such as broom, Artemisia, and Retama. Frequently uses rocky slopes, wadis, and foothills where shrubs provide cover for nesting and foraging. In winter it may descend to lower, more open plains with sparse scrub. It avoids dense woodland and true dune deserts lacking shrub structure.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Tristram’s warbler is a small, skulking Old World warbler of the Maghreb, favoring dry, scrubby slopes and semi-desert. It often keeps low in shrubs, flashing a long, frequently cocked tail, and reveals itself by its buzzy, scratchy song. The species is closely related to the Dartford and Marmora’s warbler complex but is confined to North Africa. It performs local, often altitudinal movements rather than long-distance migrations.
Cuculus canorus bangsi (cuckoo) eggs in a Sylvia deserticola clutch MHNT
Temperament
secretive yet active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights between shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, becoming strongly territorial in the breeding season. Nests low within dense shrubs, with a cup nest built by the pair; clutch size is usually small and both adults feed the young. Outside breeding, it can join loose mixed foraging groups with other small passerines in suitable scrub.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a dry, buzzy, scratchy warble delivered from a shrub top or during a short song-flight. Calls include sharp tacks and soft churring notes. The tone is similar to Dartford-type warblers but often faster and coarser.
