Dusky Warbler

Overview

The dusky warbler (Phylloscopus fuscatus) is a small, strongly migratory leaf warbler that breeds in the east Palearctic. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List and winters in South and South-east Asia.

Identification

• Similar in size and shape to a chiffchaff, with an unstreaked brown back and buff underparts.
• Features a prominent whitish supercilium and a fine, pointed bill.
• Young birds appear more olive-tinged above than adults.
• Song consists of a monotonous whistle, accompanied by a harsh check call.

Habitat

This species inhabits taiga bogs and wet meadows within its breeding range in the east Palearctic. It is an abundant bird in these environments but is sometimes found in North America, including Alaska and California.

Diet

As a small passerine, the dusky warbler is primarily insectivorous but will also consume other small food items, including berries.

Did you know?

Despite breeding in the east Palearctic, the species is prone to vagrancy and has reached western Europe in October, a distance of 3,000 km from its breeding grounds. An individual was recently detected in an urban park in Porto, Portugal, in December 2025.