Icterine Warbler
NameIcterine Warbler
Common NameIcterine Warbler
Scientific NameHippolais icterina
FamilyAcrocephalidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)12
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-brown, contrasting with bright yellowish underparts, especially on the flanks and vent. It has a pale supercilium, dark eyes, and a relatively pale bill with a darker tip. The legs are typically dark grey.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a rich, rapid, and varied babbling, often incorporating mimicry of other bird species. It can be quite loud and sustained, with a characteristic 'tett-tett-tett' phrase often included.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across much of temperate Europe and western Asia, from France eastward to western Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.
Identifying FeaturesYellowish underparts contrasting with olive-brown upperparts, Pale supercilium, Relatively stout bill, Long primary projection (wingtips extend far down the tail), Complex, varied, and often mimetic song
Description
The Icterine Warbler is a medium-sized warbler with a relatively stout bill and a distinctive yellowish plumage. It is an active bird, often seen foraging for insects in the canopy of trees and shrubs. This species is known for its complex and varied song.
