Booted Warbler

The booted warbler, Iduna caligata, is a diminutive member of the Old World warbler family, Acrocephalidae. It is a small passerine bird, characterized by its pale brown upperparts and whitish underparts with buff flanks. The species exhibits a short pale supercilium and a robust, pointed bill.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the booted warbler, look for its pale brown plumage above and the whitish coloration below. The buff flanks are distinctive, as are the pale edges on the outer tail feathers. The supercilium is pale and short, and the bill is notably strong and pointed.

Habitat

The booted warbler is found in open country, favoring areas with bushes and tall vegetation, which provide ample opportunities for foraging and nesting.

Distribution

This species breeds from central Russia to western China and migrates to winter in the Indian subcontinent, reaching as far south as Sri Lanka. The booted warbler has been expanding its breeding range westward and can now be found nesting as far west and north as Finland.

Behaviour

The booted warbler is known for its insectivorous diet, adeptly foraging in its preferred habitat. It is also recognized for its nesting behavior, laying three or four eggs in a nest situated in a bush or dense vegetation.

Breeding

During the breeding season, the booted warbler lays a clutch of three or four eggs. These are carefully incubated in a nest that is well-concealed in a bush or amidst tall vegetation.

Similar Species

Sykes's warbler is a close relative and was once considered conspecific. However, it is larger and greyer than the booted warbler. The booted warbler most closely resembles an eastern olivaceous warbler in appearance.

Diet and Feeding

As with most warblers, the booted warbler is insectivorous, skillfully hunting for insects among the foliage of its open country habitat.

Conservation status

The booted warbler is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.