The yellow-breasted warbler is a species of Old World warbler in the family Phylloscopidae. It is found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Palawan Island in the Philippines. The species is most common on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Sundaland and Palawan
Typical Environment
Occurs in Indonesia (Sumatra and Borneo/Kalimantan), Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo), Brunei, and the Philippines (Palawan). It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests, including hill forests and mossy forest. Frequently uses forest edges, riverine corridors, and selectively logged forest where sufficient understory remains. Typically forages from the understory to mid-canopy.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small leaf warbler is often seen flitting through foliage in mixed-species flocks, especially with babblers and other understory insectivores. Its high, thin song carries surprisingly far in dense forest. It tolerates secondary growth and forest edges, though it remains most common in intact humid forests.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forages singly or in pairs and regularly joins mixed-species flocks moving through the understory and midstory. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation or banks. Breeding behavior is discreet, with pairs defending small territories.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a high, thin series of trills and sibilant phrases delivered from cover. Calls include sharp tsip notes and soft seee contact calls used while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with bright yellow throat and breast shading to yellowish underparts; cleaner whitish belly and vent. A pale supercilium contrasts with a darker eye-line, and faint pale wingbars may be visible. Plumage is soft and neat, giving a crisp leaf-warbler look.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, flies, and spiders. Gleans prey from leaf surfaces and twigs and occasionally snatches small flying insects in short sallies. Uses rapid, precise movements to pick prey hidden among foliage.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory to lower mid-canopy of humid forest, along trails, stream edges, and forest margins. Frequently follows mixed flocks to exploit disturbed prey and shared vigilance.
