Icterine Warbler

Overview

The icterine warbler (Hippolais icterina) is a fairly large Old World warbler that breeds across mainland Europe, excluding the southwest, and winters in sub-Saharan Africa. It is the most northerly and widespread species within its genus.

Identification

• Plumage: Greyish-green upperparts with uniformly light yellow underparts.
• Features: Large head, broad-based bill, and long wings with a short, square-ended tail.
• Markings: Pale lores, a vague yellowish supercilium with a pale eye ring, and a wing panel formed by pale feather edges.
• Legs: Grey, sometimes bluish in colour.

Habitat

This species prefers woodland, particularly edges and glades with well-spaced trees and tall undergrowth, over dense forest. It favours broad-leafed trees but will also use mixed conifer woods, as well as copses, orchards, parks, and gardens. Its breeding range stretches from northern France and Norway across northern and eastern Europe to the River Ob.

Diet

Mainly insectivorous, it forages among the foliage for insects on leaves or in flight and occasionally engages in flycatching. In late summer, it will also feed on fruit.

Did you know?

Despite its European breeding grounds, there is a 2022 record of the species in Gambell, Alaska, with subsequent documentation in the same state the following year.