The yellow-bellied bush warbler, also known as the yellowish-bellied bush warbler, is a species of bush warbler in the family Cettiidae. It was formerly included in the "Old World warbler" assemblage.
Region
Himalayas and southern China
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Himalayan foothills and mountains extending through northeastern India and Bhutan into southwestern and central China, with populations in Yunnan, Sichuan, and adjacent provinces. It inhabits dense understory of subtropical and temperate broadleaf forest, bamboo thickets, and shrubby edges. Birds are often near streams, landslides, and regenerating secondary growth where cover is abundant. In winter or non-breeding season some individuals descend to lower elevations, using scrubby valleys and forest edges.
Altitude Range
800–2800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory specialist, the yellow-bellied bush warbler forages close to the ground in dense thickets and bamboo. Formerly placed among the Old World warblers, it is now in the family Cettiidae with other bush warblers. Its song is a fast series of sharp trills and chips that often betrays it before it is seen. It favors montane forests and scrub on slopes and along streams.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and fluttery through cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, keeping low in dense vegetation. During breeding, pairs defend small territories and nest low in thick grass, bamboo, or shrubs, building a neat cup hidden in cover. Outside the breeding season, it may join mixed-species flocks in the understory but remains inconspicuous.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a quick, bright series of sharp trills and metallic chips delivered from concealed perches. Calls include thin tseep notes and dry ticks, repeated persistently, especially at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Olive-brown to brownish-olive upperparts with a warm wash, contrasting with yellowish to buffy underparts; soft, plain plumage with minimal patterning. Underparts show a diffuse yellowish belly and paler throat. Tail is often cocked and appears rounded with fine barring.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods such as spiders, beetles, caterpillars, and leafhoppers. It gleans prey from leaves, stems, and moss, and occasionally sallies a short distance to snatch moving insects. Small berries may be taken opportunistically, especially in cooler months.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory, bamboo, and scrub along forest edges and streamside thickets. Most feeding occurs within 1–3 meters of the ground where cover is thick.
