Western Subalpine Warbler

Overview

The western subalpine warbler (Curruca iberiae) is a small member of the Sylviidae family that breeds in the southernmost areas of Europe and north-western Africa. This species is a long-distance migrant that winters in sub-Saharan Africa.

Identification

• Adult males feature a grey back and head with brick-red underparts and distinct white malar streaks.
• Females are primarily brown above with a greyer head and whitish underparts possessing a pink flush.
• The song is described as fast and rattling, resembling that of the lesser whitethroat.

Habitat

This species inhabits dry open country, particularly tall and dense heterogeneous maquis with sparse tree cover, such as stands of holm oak, strawberry tree, and tree-heath. It is also frequently found in young cork oak forest, dense but treeless bushy areas, and bramble-dominated ravines. The range covers the southernmost parts of Europe and north-western Africa, with wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa.

Diet

The diet consists mainly of small insects and their larvae during the breeding season. Outside the breeding period, the bird also consumes berries and fruits.

Did you know?

The species was split from the eastern subalpine warbler into a distinct species by the IOC world bird list in May 2020, largely due to differing male plumages and distinctive calls between the previously grouped populations.