Passeriformes / Phylloscopidae / Phylloscopus
Alström's Warbler
Phylloscopus soror · 淡尾鹟莺
Introduction
A species of Old World warbler in the family Phylloscopidae, first described in 1999. It breeds in temperate forests in China and winters in Southeast Asia. The species forages in low, dense forest growth and is not currently globally threatened.
Description
Measures 11-12 cm in size, with females on average smaller than males. Plumage features a greyish-black color fading on the forehead, green surrounding the eyes, and a vibrant yellowish-green underside. Wings and back display a grey crown with black stripes. A distinct yellow eye-ring is present, which may diffuse above the eye.
Identification
Often mistaken for Martens's, Gray-crowned, White-speckled, and Bianchi's warblers. Distinguished by a larger bill, smaller tail, and more distinct white lining in the outer tail feathers compared to Martens's and Gray-crowned warblers. Vocalizations consist of short, quick strophes with a short chip introductory note followed by 2-5 whistled notes, repeated 2-4 times. The song has a higher pitch and broader frequency span than P. valentini.
Distribution & Habitat
Breeds in scattered areas across central and eastern China within evergreen broadleaf forest zones and lush undergrowth. Migrates during winter to southern Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, southern Vietnam, and southern China. Non-breeding individuals have been observed in southern China from early September to early October, in Thailand during mid-September, in southern Vietnam in late September, and in southern Myanmar up until mid-April.
Behavior & Ecology
Forages in low, dense growth of forests, eating insects caught during short flights. Breeds in bushes and small trees of low to moderate height, often in recently cleared areas. Mating activity occurs from May to June based on male singing activity.
Conservation
The bird is not currently globally threatened and has a very large range that does not approach the potential of being a vulnerable species.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Phylloscopidae
- Genus
- Phylloscopus
Taxonomy Changes
Seicercus soror → Phylloscopus soror
Genus transfer — GBIF Backbone Taxonomy uses the former name; AviList 2025 uses the current name.
Distribution
breeds western and southern China; winters to Thailand, Cambodia, and northern Vietnam
Vocalizations
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
