The white-spectacled warbler is a species of leaf warbler in the family Phylloscopidae. It is found in Asia from the eastern Himalayas to south-eastern China and southern Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It was formerly included in the Old World warbler family, Sylviidae.
Region
Eastern Himalayas to Southeast China and Indochina
Typical Environment
Occurs from the eastern Himalayas across northern Myanmar and southwest to southeastern China, reaching into Laos and southern Vietnam. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist broadleaf forests, favoring dense undergrowth, bamboo thickets, and rhododendron scrub. During the breeding season it is most common in montane forests; in the nonbreeding season it may descend into foothill forests and wooded valleys. It frequents forest edges, stream gullies, and secondary growth but generally avoids open habitats.
Altitude Range
800–3000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small leaf warbler is part of the former “golden-spectacled” warbler complex and is noted for its crisp white eye-ring that forms ‘spectacles.’ It forages actively in the mid-story and undergrowth, often joining mixed-species flocks. Many populations undertake short-distance or altitudinal movements between breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Like other Phylloscopus warblers, it was formerly placed in the Old World warbler family Sylviidae.
White-spectacled warbler from Nimachen, Sikkim, India.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, remaining well within foliage. Outside breeding, it often joins mixed-species foraging flocks in the forest mid-story. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation; both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched whistles and trills that accelerate and rise, delivered from concealed perches. Calls include soft tsip notes and sharper contact chips used while foraging.
Plumage
Olive to greenish upperparts with yellow-washed underparts and a greyer-toned crown. A bold white, complete eye-ring and dark loral area create a distinctive ‘spectacled’ look. Pale wingbar(s) may be present, and the throat can be slightly brighter yellow. Fine, neat feathering gives a smooth, clean appearance overall.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects, larvae, and spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs. It actively searches the mid-story, probing clusters of leaves and flicking to new perches. Occasional short sallies may be used to snatch flushed prey. It rarely takes fruit and relies mostly on arthropods year-round.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense foliage of broadleaf forest, bamboo, and rhododendron, especially near edges and along streams. It frequently accompanies mixed flocks where prey is abundant and disturbance is low.
