Chestnut-vented Warbler
NameChestnut-vented Warbler
Common NameChestnut-vented Warbler
Scientific NameSylvietta rufescens
FamilyMacrosphenidae
Wingspan (cm)17
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)10.5
Plumage DetailsThe Chestnut-vented Warbler has plain grey upperparts and head, with a paler grey to whitish throat and breast. Its belly is greyish-white, contrasting sharply with the bright rufous-chestnut undertail coverts. The eyes are notably pale, often whitish or yellowish, and the bill is short and dark.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a rapid, chattering trill, often described as a 'chip-chip-chip-trrrrrrr'. It also produces various sharp 'chip' or 'tchip' alarm calls.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, desert, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across southern Africa, including Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Identifying FeaturesSmall, plump body with a short tail, Overall plain grey plumage, Distinctive bright rufous-chestnut undertail coverts (vent), Pale (whitish or yellowish) eyes, Active foraging behavior in dense scrub
Description
This small, plump warbler is characterized by its overall plain grey plumage, a pale throat, and a striking rufous-chestnut vent. It has distinctive pale eyes and a short tail, often seen actively foraging in dense scrub and dry woodlands across southern Africa.
