Rufous-eared Warbler

The Rufous-eared Warbler, or Malcorus pectoralis, is a small, elusive passerine bird, notable for its distinctive rufous-colored ear patches. It has a brown head streaked with dark red, a greyish white underbelly, and a black breast-band that fades in winter. The mantle is mottled greyish and blackish brown, and the eyes are a reddish hazel. With pinkish legs and a black bill, this bird measures approximately 15 cm in length, with males slightly heavier than females.

Identification Tips

Males and females are similar, but the Rufous-eared Warbler exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females sporting paler ear patches and a narrower breast-band. Juveniles are paler with a whiter belly. The subspecies M. p. ocularis is paler with a tawny face, while M. p. etoshae has yellowish wing-edges. The long, thin tail is often held upright, and the bird's overall size is small, with males weighing 10-12 g and females 9-11 g.

Habitat

This warbler prefers subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and grassland, avoiding dense Acacia karoo woodlands and the Namib desert. It is found in arid and semi-arid regions with scrubby bushes and open grassland.

Distribution

Endemic to southern Africa, the Rufous-eared Warbler is native to Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Despite the unknown global population size, it is classified as Least Concern due to its large range.

Behaviour

The Rufous-eared Warbler is typically seen in pairs or small family groups, especially post-breeding. It is a shy bird, often hiding in dense bushes, and may move locally following rainfall. It is generally a resident species, showing resilience to drought by remaining in its habitat rather than migrating.

Song & Calls

The bird's call is a tinkling "tzee tzee tzee tzee" or "zeep zeep zeep zeep," varying in phrase length and intensity. It also uses a "peeee" alarm call. Males vocalize from vantage points atop low shrubs.

Breeding

Breeding is opportunistic, usually following rainfall. The nest is an oval structure made from grass stems, leaves, and bark, bound with spider webs and lined with soft vegetation. It has a side-top entrance and is placed in non-thorny shrubs, 0.2-1.2 m above ground. The species is thought to be monogamous, with 3-7 pale blue eggs laid per clutch.

Similar Species

There are no similar species within its range, as it is the only species in its genus.

Diet and Feeding

The Rufous-eared Warbler is insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and spiders, with a preference for small beetles. It also consumes seeds, fruits, and insect larvae. Feeding occurs on the ground and in low shrubs.

Conservation Status

The Rufous-eared Warbler is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population across its wide distribution range.