The Yungas warbler is a species of bird in the family Parulidae. It was previously considered conspecific with the three-striped warbler. This bird is found in South America from southeastern Peru to southcentral Bolivia.
Region
Central Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Peru into south-central Bolivia, mainly within the Yungas and adjacent cloud forests. Prefers dense, humid montane forest with abundant mosses, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets. Uses forest edges and second growth but stays close to intact canopy cover. Frequently forages in the lower to mid understory, along shaded ravines and stream margins.
Altitude Range
800–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Yungas warbler inhabits humid montane forests along the eastern Andean slopes, where it forages low in the understory. It was split from the three-striped warbler complex based on vocal and plumage differences. Often joining mixed-species flocks, it can be elusive, giving sharp chip notes as it moves through dense foliage.
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen as singles or pairs within dense understory, often joining mixed-species flocks for foraging. During the breeding season, pairs defend small territories and build cup-shaped nests low above the ground or in banks. Outside of breeding, it remains loosely associated with flocks while moving along forested ravines.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, accelerating series of high-pitched notes that rise and then taper off. Calls are sharp chip or tsip notes, given frequently while foraging in cover.
Plumage
Olive to olive-brown upperparts with yellow underparts marked by dusky spotting on the breast. The head shows bold dark lateral crown stripes framing a yellowish median crown stripe and bright yellow supercilium. Wings and tail are plain, lacking wingbars, with a slightly darker olive tone.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods, gleaning insects and spiders from leaves, twigs, and mossy substrates. Often probes leaf litter on banks and low tangles, occasionally sallying short distances to capture prey. May take small soft-bodied larvae and rarely small berries when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded understory of humid montane forest, along streams, gullies, and bamboo patches. Also uses dense second growth and forest edges with continuous cover.
