Streaked Scrub Warbler

The streaked scrub warbler (Scotocerca inquieta) is a small desert-dwelling bird found in northern Africa and southwestern Asia. This grey-brown warbler with dark streaks, a pale supercilium, and a thin black eyestripe is notable for its skulking behavior and a distinctive tail that is often cocked over its back. It frequents scrubby areas, wadis, ravines, and gorges and remains mainly resident throughout the year, although it may exhibit some local movement after the breeding season. It is the sole species in its genus and family, Scotocercidae, with eight recognized subspecies. Authorities sometimes debate the taxonomy, categorizing it and closely-related families differently. Their nests are domed structures lined with natural materials and are built low in scrubs, with clutches averaging 2-5 eggs. The streaked scrub warbler's diet consists mainly of insects, but includes seeds in winter, and it forages both on the ground and in vegetation. Despite having a wide range and varied population densities, no significant threats have been identified, and it is classified as "least concern" by the IUCN. Its song is unique and described as "zit-zit dweedle-doolredle-doleed".