The white-striped warbler is a species of bird in the family Parulidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Eastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Atlantic Forest and adjacent woodlands of eastern Brazil, favoring dense understory in moist forests, gallery forests, and well-vegetated secondary growth. It keeps low to the ground, working through leaf litter and tangles along streams and forest edges. The species can persist in fragmented habitats if understory structure remains intact. However, extensive clearing and understory degradation reduce its presence and local abundance.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A skulking New World warbler of the forest understory, the white-striped warbler is easily recognized by bold white head stripes. It was formerly placed in the genus Basileuterus, reflecting its close ties to other ground-loving Neotropical warblers. It tolerates secondary growth but declines where dense understory is removed. Listening for its thin, buzzy trills can help locate it in dense cover.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, quick dashes through the understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or family groups, often keeping to dense cover. Frequently accompanies mixed-species flocks moving through the understory. Nests are placed low, typically well hidden in vegetation or on banks; both parents attend young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high, buzzy trills and clear chips delivered from low perches inside cover. Calls include sharp tsip notes used to keep contact while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with yellowish underparts and a clean whitish throat blending to yellow breast. The head shows striking white supercilium and a white median crown stripe, both bordered by dark lateral crown stripes. Wings lack bold bars; tail is plain and often flicked.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small arthropods such as ants, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Gleans from leaf litter, low foliage, and vine tangles, occasionally sallying short distances to snatch prey. Foraging is methodical, with frequent tail flicks and short hops.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory of humid forest, riparian thickets, and overgrown edges with abundant leaf litter. Often forages along shaded stream banks and in regenerating secondary growth where cover is thick.
