Olive-tree Warbler

Overview

The olive-tree warbler (Hippolais olivetorum) is a species of passerine bird in the family Acrocephalidae, classified as a tree warbler. It breeds in southeast Europe and the Near East before migrating to winter in eastern and southern Africa.

Identification

• A relatively large warbler, 18 cm in length, with a wingspan of 24 to 26 cm and a weight of 19 to 23 g.
• Upperparts are pale olive-grey with a noticeable pale wing panel, while underparts are mostly whitish.
• Features a long, thick bill with an obvious orange-yellow lower mandible and a long, dark grey tail.
• The call is a deep "chack" note, and the song is fast, gruff, and loud, with a cyclical repetition of chacking sounds interspersed with softer notes.

Habitat

Breeding ranges include the southern and western Balkans, southeast Europe, southern Anatolia, and northern Mesopotamia, where the bird uses orchards, olive groves, open oak woodlands, maquis on upland slopes, and sparsely wooded grassland. It shows a preference for habitats that include some taller trees. During the non-breeding season, it winters in southern Africa, where it utilises a variety of habitats and may be found in arid areas.

Diet

The bird feeds mainly on invertebrates, particularly insects, but consumes fruit such as figs during the summer months.

Did you know?

The nest is a sturdy and deep cup of plant material that is covered with spiders' webs and lined with soft materials like thistledown and animal hair.