Tickell's Leaf Warbler

Overview

Tickell's leaf warbler (Phylloscopus affinis) is a small passerine bird found across various Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Thailand. Classified as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, it belongs to a genus containing approximately 80 species of leaf warblers.

Identification

• Yellowish underside and supercilium.
• Lacks a wing bar, which helps distinguish it from similar species.
• Possesses slim dark legs, a largely pale lower mandible, and a grayish wing panel.
• Highly active behaviour, often acrobatically exploring the underside of leaves and twigs, making it difficult to track.

Habitat

This species inhabits the canopy and low shrubbery across a wide range in Asia, spanning from Pakistan and the Himalayas to China and Southeast Asia. During the breeding season, it specifically prefers barren mountain environments where it nests among rocks and low bushes.

Diet

The bird feeds mostly on insects, employing foraging techniques such as gleaning and short sallies.

Did you know?

The specific epithet affinis is derived from the Latin for "related" or "allied," while the original binomial name described by Samuel Tickell in 1833 contained a typo, using "offinis" instead of the correct "affinis".