Mountain Chiffchaff
NameMountain Chiffchaff
Common NameMountain Chiffchaff
Scientific NamePhylloscopus sindianus
FamilyPhylloscopidae
Wingspan (cm)17
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)8
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dull brownish-olive, contrasting slightly with paler, often whitish to pale buff underparts, sometimes with a yellowish wash on the flanks. It features a faint pale supercilium above a dark eye-stripe, and has dark legs and a slender, dark bill.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a soft 'hweet' or 'chiff-chaff' note, similar to the Common Chiffchaff but often described as slightly different or more subdued. The song is a repetitive 'chiff-chaff' or 'chiff-chiff-chaff' often with a distinct rhythm or tone.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the Himalayas, ranging from Pakistan east to Nepal, and also found in parts of Central Asia. Some populations undertake altitudinal or short-distance migrations to lower elevations or southern regions during winter.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Dull brownish-olive plumage, Faint pale supercilium, Dark legs, Active foraging behavior, Distinctive 'chiff-chaff' like call/song
Description
The Mountain Chiffchaff is a small, active leaf warbler with a rather plain, brownish-olive plumage. It typically forages in the canopy and undergrowth of mountain forests, constantly moving to glean insects.
