Barred Warbler

The barred warbler, known scientifically as Curruca nisoria, is a robust member of the warbler family. It is the largest of the Curruca warblers, measuring between 15.5 to 17 centimeters in length and weighing between 22 to 36 grams. The adult male is a striking figure with a dark grey plumage above, adorned with white tips on the wing coverts and tail feathers. Below, it is heavily barred, presenting a distinctive pattern. The female, while similar in appearance, is slightly paler and exhibits only light barring. The juveniles are more subdued in color, with buffy grey-brown upperparts and pale buff underparts, and they display minimal barring. One can discern the species by the yellow iris in the adult's eye, a dark iris in the immature birds, a blackish bill with a paler base, and stout, grey-brown legs.

Identification Tips

When identifying the barred warbler, look for the heavy barring on the underparts, which is a key characteristic of the species. The adult male's dark grey upperparts and the white-tipped wing coverts and tail feathers are also distinctive. In comparison, the female and juvenile birds are paler and less distinctly marked. The size of the bird, larger than many other warblers, along with the yellow iris in adults, can aid in identification.

Habitat

The barred warbler favors open country with an abundance of bushes suitable for nesting. This habitat preference aligns closely with that of the red-backed shrike.

Distribution

This species breeds across temperate regions of central and eastern Europe and into western and central Asia. It is a strongly migratory bird, wintering in tropical eastern Africa.

Behaviour

The barred warbler is known for its migratory nature. It builds its nest in low shrubs or brambles and lays a clutch of three to seven eggs. The species is predominantly insectivorous but also consumes berries and other soft fruits, especially in the later summer and autumn months.

Song & Calls

The barred warbler's song is a pleasant chattering, reminiscent of the garden warbler but with a harsher and less melodious tone. It is slightly higher pitched and bears some resemblance to the song of the common whitethroat.

Breeding

Nesting in low shrubbery or brambles, the barred warbler lays a clutch of three to seven eggs. The specifics of its breeding behavior align with the general patterns observed in most warblers.

Similar Species

Juvenile barred warblers can be easily confused with garden warblers due to their similar appearance. However, they can be distinguished by the slight barring on the tail coverts, pale fringes on the wing feathers, and their marginally larger size.

Diet and Feeding

The barred warbler's diet consists mainly of insects. However, it also partakes in berries and other soft fruits, particularly in the late summer and autumn.

Conservation status

The barred warbler is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. While it has experienced declines in some areas due to habitat loss, the population is stable or increasing in other parts of its range.