Icterine Warbler

The Icterine Warbler, Hippolais icterina, presents itself as a rather large warbler, boasting a substantial head and a broad-based bill. Its wings are long, complementing a somewhat short, square-ended tail. The bird's upperparts are adorned with a greyish-green hue, while the underparts are a consistent light yellow. A pale eye ring encircles its eye, and it sports pale lores alongside a somewhat indistinct yellowish supercilium.

Identification Tips

Upon closer inspection, one may note a distinctive panel on the folded wings, created by pale edges to the secondary and tertiary feathers. The legs of the Icterine Warbler are grey, occasionally with a bluish tinge, which may serve as an additional identifying feature.

Habitat

The Icterine Warbler shows a preference for woodland edges or glades over dense forests, often found in the crowns of well-spaced trees accompanied by tall undergrowth. It has an affinity for broad-leafed trees, though it does not shy away from coniferous environments if mixed with broad-leafed species. This bird can also be observed in orchards, parks, gardens, shelterbelts, and tall hedges that are interspersed with trees.

Distribution

This warbler's breeding range is quite extensive, spanning from northern France and Norway across northern and eastern Europe, reaching as far south as the northern Balkans and Crimea mountains, and eastwards to the River Ob. While it has been known to breed in Scotland and is typically a passage migrant in Great Britain and Ireland, recent records include sightings in Gambell, Alaska.

Behaviour

The Icterine Warbler is primarily insectivorous, though it will indulge in fruit during the late summer. It forages among foliage, capturing insects either perched on leaves or in flight. This bird is less agile than the smaller Phylloscopus warblers and exhibits a solitary nature. It maintains territories in both its breeding and wintering grounds. Nesting typically involves the laying of four to six eggs in a tree or bush.

Song & Calls

The warbler's song is a rapid, nasal babble that includes mimicry of other bird species. Its call can be characterized as a sharp "teck" or a repeated "tec, tec, tec."

Breeding

During the breeding season, the Icterine Warbler lays a clutch of four to six eggs. The nest is carefully constructed within a tree or a bush, providing a secure environment for the developing brood.

Diet and Feeding

While predominantly insectivorous, the Icterine Warbler adapts its diet to include fruit as the summer wanes. It employs a foraging strategy that involves gleaning insects from leaves or engaging in brief flights to catch them mid-air.

Conservation status

The Icterine Warbler is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population levels that would warrant a higher degree of conservation concern.