The western Bonelli's warbler is a warbler in the leaf warbler genus Phylloscopus. It was formerly regarded as the western subspecies of a wider "Bonelli's warbler" species, but as a result of modern taxonomic developments, they are now usually considered to be two species:Western Bonelli's warbler, Phylloscopus bonelli, which breeds in southwest Europe and north Africa Eastern Bonelli's warbler, Phylloscopus orientalis, which breeds in southeast Europe and Asia Minor
Region
Southwest Europe and North Africa
Typical Environment
Breeds across the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, parts of Italy, and locally in North Africa, especially in open oak and pine woodlands. Prefers Mediterranean hillsides, forest edges, and scrubby slopes with scattered trees. During migration it passes through southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin. In winter it moves to sub-Saharan West Africa, occupying dry woodland and savanna. It favors structurally diverse habitats with ample leaf cover for gleaning insects.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Western Bonelli's warbler was split from Eastern Bonelli's warbler based on differences in vocalizations, genetics, and subtle plumage. Its call is a distinctive disyllabic 'hu-it', useful for field identification. It nests on or near the ground in dense cover and forages restlessly through foliage for small invertebrates.
Western Bonelli's warbler at Aosta Valley, Italy
Phylloscopus bonelli - MHNT
Temperament
active and restless
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between trees and bushes
Social Behavior
Breeds in solitary, territorial pairs; the nest is a domed structure on or near the ground concealed by vegetation. Clutch is typically laid in spring to early summer, and both parents feed the young. Outside the breeding season it is more tolerant of conspecifics and may join mixed-species foraging flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a fast, bright, metallic trill delivered from cover or low perches. The call is a distinctive disyllabic 'hu-it', which contrasts with the single-note call of the Eastern Bonelli's warbler.
Plumage
Plain, smooth plumage with olive-green to grey-olive upperparts and clean white underparts; slight yellowish wash on the undertail and underwings; minimal patterning and no wing bars.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, flies, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally hovers to pick items from the underside of foliage. During migration and winter it may take tiny berries opportunistically but remains mainly insectivorous.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the canopy and mid-story of open woodlands, forest edges, and scrub with scattered trees. Also uses olive groves, riverine thickets, and parks during passage, favoring areas with dense leaf cover.
