Upcher's Warbler

Overview

Hippolais languida is an Old World warbler in the genus Hippolais that breeds in an area extending from Turkey south and east to Pakistan. It is a migratory species that winters in eastern Africa, from Eritrea and Somalia down to Tanzania.

Identification

• Medium-sized passerine similar in dimensions to the icterine warbler, distinguished by a slightly longer bill, shorter wings, and a longer tail.
• Possesses a rather grey plumage resembling that of the olivaceous warbler, but exhibits frequent tail movements reminiscent of a Sylvia warbler or chat.
• Emits a song that is distinctive and unmistakable, differing entirely from the song of the olivaceous warbler.

Habitat

Found in semi-desert habitats, this species frequents bushy scrub and thickets of tamarisk. Its breeding range spans from Turkey to Pakistan, and it migrates to winter in eastern Africa from Eritrea and Somalia to Tanzania.

Diet

The species feeds on invertebrates.

Did you know?

Ehrenberg's original description of the bird was 'rather vague', leading Henry Baker Tristram to redescribe it in 1864 and name it Hippolais upcheri after his friend Henry Morris Upcher, the origin of its common name.