The yellow-browed warbler is a leaf warbler which breeds in the east Palearctic. This warbler is strongly migratory and winters mainly in tropical South Asia and South-east Asia, but also in small numbers in western Europe. Like the rest of Phylloscopidae, it was formerly included in the Old World warbler assemblage.
Region
East Palearctic to South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds widely across the Siberian taiga, favoring spruce, larch, and birch woodland with dense undergrowth. During migration it passes through northern and central Asia and is a regular scarce visitor to western Europe. In winter it occupies lowland and foothill forests, secondary growth, bamboo stands, gardens, and wooded parks across South and Southeast Asia. It forages from the lower shrubs up to the canopy, especially along forest edges and riparian thickets.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, hyperactive leaf warbler, the yellow-browed warbler is famous in western Europe as an autumn vagrant far from its Siberian breeding grounds. Its piercing, high-pitched 'tswee-eet' call is often the first clue to its presence in canopy foliage. It was formerly grouped within the broad Old World warbler assemblage but is now placed in Phylloscopidae.
Yellow-browed Warbler wintering in Vietnam
In winter in Hong Kong (China), showing the typical wing and upper head pattern
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent flits and brief hover-gleaning
Social Behavior
Breeds in solitary pairs with a small territory in taiga habitats. The nest is typically domed and placed low in vegetation or on the ground concealed in moss or grass. Outside the breeding season it often associates with mixed-species flocks and moves restlessly through foliage while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a series of high, thin phrases and trills delivered from cover. The call is a distinctive, sharp, high-pitched two-note 'tswee-eet' or 'tsee-wit' that carries well and is key to identification.
