The white-rimmed warbler or white-browed warbler is a species of bird in the family Parulidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Southeastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Atlantic Forest and adjacent woodlands of southern Brazil, northeastern Argentina, eastern Paraguay, and Uruguay. It favors dense understory in moist lowland and montane forests, forest edges, and second growth. The species also persists in thickets, riparian corridors, and heavily degraded former forest where cover remains. It typically keeps close to the ground or mid-story, moving through vine tangles and bamboo. Local presence is strongest where continuous understory cover is available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the white-browed warbler, it is a skulking understory bird with a bold white eyebrow and eye-ring that inspire its name. It often forages in pairs or small family groups and may join mixed-species flocks in the Atlantic Forest. Its clear, ringing song carries well through dense vegetation and helps locate this otherwise elusive bird.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs and often maintains small territories in dense understory. Pairs remain in contact with soft calls and sometimes join mixed-species flocks moving through the mid- to lower strata. Nests are well concealed in dense cover close to the ground.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, ringing series of whistled notes delivered at a steady pace, often rising slightly in pitch. Calls include sharp chips and thin tseet notes used for contact in thick vegetation.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a grayish head and bright yellow underparts, slightly olive-washed on the sides. The feathers are smooth and close, giving a neat, compact appearance suited for moving through dense cover.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, gleaning them from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles. It also probes moss and leaf litter and will sally short distances to pick prey from foliage. Occasional small spiders and larvae are taken; fruit is rarely consumed.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory of moist forest, bamboo stands, and overgrown edges where it can forage under cover. Frequently works along streamside thickets and forest borders with abundant leaf litter and low foliage.
