Whistler's warbler is a species of leaf warbler. It was formerly included in the "Old World warbler" assemblage.
Region
Himalayas
Typical Environment
This species inhabits moist montane broadleaf and mixed forests with dense undergrowth, especially rhododendron, oak, and bamboo thickets. It favors forest edges, clearings, and riparian corridors where it can glean insects from foliage. During the breeding season it occupies higher-elevation forests; in the nonbreeding season it moves to lower montane and foothill woodlands. It also joins mixed-species flocks in secondary forest and well-wooded valleys.
Altitude Range
800–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Whistler's warbler is a small leaf warbler named after British ornithologist Hugh Whistler. It was formerly placed in the genus Seicercus and is notable for its clear, whistling song. The species typically performs altitudinal movements, breeding higher in the mountains and shifting downslope outside the breeding season.
Temperament
active and restless
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick darting flights between foliage
Social Behavior
Often forages singly or in pairs, frequently joining mixed-species flocks with other small insectivores. Nests are typically domed or globular structures placed low in dense vegetation or on banks. Pairs are territorial during breeding, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, sweet, whistled phrases delivered in short bursts, often rising and falling in pitch. The call is a thin, high 'tsip' or 'tsee' given while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with yellow-washed underparts and a greyer-tinged head. Shows a prominent broken white eye-ring forming 'spectacles' and a pale yellowish supercilium; wingbars are faint or absent. Fine, neat feathering gives a smooth, clean appearance.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally hover-gleans to pick insects from suspended foliage. Seldom takes fruit, and then only opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the understorey to mid-canopy of humid montane forests, especially along edges and streams. Also forages in bamboo, shrubbery, and secondary growth where insect density is high.
