Upcher's warbler is an Old World warbler in the tree warbler genus Hippolais. It breeds in an area from Turkey south and east to Pakistan. It is migratory, wintering in eastern Africa, from Eritrea and Somalia south to Tanzania.
Region
Middle East to East Africa
Typical Environment
Breeds in semi-arid and steppe-like habitats from southern Turkey through Syria and Iraq to Iran, Afghanistan, and western Pakistan. During the non-breeding season it moves to eastern Africa, occurring from Eritrea and Somalia south to Kenya and northern Tanzania. It favors dry scrub, thorny thickets, wadis, rocky slopes with scattered bushes, orchards, and open woodland edges. In winter it uses similar shrubby and bushy habitats, often near dry riverbeds or lightly wooded savanna. It is frequently encountered in areas with acacia and tamarisk.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Upcher's warbler is a long-tailed, rather plain warbler known for its distinctive habit of flicking and fanning the tail while foraging. It breeds from Turkey eastward to Pakistan and migrates to spend the non-breeding season in eastern Africa. Its song is a scratchy, varied warble delivered from shrubs or low trees. It is often difficult to see well, keeping low in semi-arid scrub and stony hillsides.
Hippolais languida - MHNT
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between low perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season and is territorial. It nests low in dense shrubs, building a neat cup of grasses and plant fibers. Clutches usually contain 3–5 eggs, and both parents feed the young. Outside the breeding season it may join loose mixed-species foraging groups in suitable scrub.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a scratchy, variable warble with chattering phrases and occasional harsher notes, delivered from cover or an exposed shrub top. Calls include dry tacks and soft churring notes. The rhythm can be repetitive but with subtle improvisation.
Plumage
Plain grey-brown to sandy-brown upperparts with paler, off-white underparts and a slightly warmer buff wash on flanks. Feathers are smooth and unpatterned, giving a sleek, uniform look. The tail is long and often held drooped, with paler outer edges.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, including beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and flies. It gleans prey from foliage and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to catch flying insects. In late season it may also take small berries when available, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense, low shrubs, thorn scrub, and along wadi edges. It also feeds in orchards, hedgerows, and scattered acacia stands, typically keeping within a few meters of the ground.
