Passeriformes / Acrocephalidae / Iduna
Eastern Olivaceous Warbler
Iduna pallida · 草绿篱莺
Introduction
A medium-sized warbler (family Acrocephalidae, genus Iduna) native to the Old World. It breeds across southeastern Europe, the Middle East, and western Asia, migrating to winter in sub-Saharan Africa or Arabia. Inhabits dry open country including cultivation with bushes or scattered trees. Characterized by plain plumage, strong pointed bill, and distinctive downward tail flick. The subspecies reiseri is locally common in southeast Morocco. A rare vagrant to northern Europe.
Description
A medium-sized warbler resembling a very pale reed warbler. The adult has a plain pale brown back with whitish underparts; the upperparts may show a greenish tinge. The bill is strong and pointed, legs are grey. Sexes are identical, while young birds are more buff on the belly. Characterized by a downward tail flick. Length and wingspan not specified.
Identification
Similar to a very pale reed warbler but structurally distinct. Differs from western olivaceous warbler in being smaller with less brown upperparts and a smaller bill. Can be very difficult to separate from Sykes's warbler (Iduna rama). The characteristic tail flick and wing structure are useful identification features. The song is a fast nasal babbling.
Distribution & Habitat
Breeds from southeastern Europe and the Middle East through western Asia. Winters in sub-Saharan Africa and Arabia. Subspecies reiseri occurs in southeast Morocco where it is locally common as a breeding species. A rare vagrant to northern Europe. Inhabits dry open country with bushes and scattered trees, including cultivated areas.
Behavior & Ecology
Insectivorous, feeding on insects in its dry open habitat. Breeding: two or three eggs laid in a nest placed low in a bush or undergrowth. Song is described as a fast nasal babbling. Social behavior not extensively detailed, but like most warblers is presumed to be territorial during breeding season.
Conservation
Population status and conservation assessment not provided in source material.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
