Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler
Phylloscopus orientalis
The Eastern Bonelli's Warbler is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during the spring and autumn, with most sightings occurring in the southern and eastern parts of the country. It is more commonly found in its breeding grounds in southeast Europe and Asia Minor, making any sighting in Britain a notable event.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler in the field.
The Eastern Bonelli's Warbler can be identified by its plain greenish-yellow plumage, white underside, and distinctive white eye-ring, as well as its lack of wing bars. Its overall appearance is also characterized by a rounded head and a short, pointed bill.
The Eastern Bonelli's Warbler is slightly smaller than a Chiffchaff, measuring around 10-12 cm in length.
The male Eastern Bonelli's Warbler has a bright greenish-yellow upperpart and white underside, with a yellowish tint to the breast and flanks, and a distinctive white eye-ring.
The female Eastern Bonelli's Warbler is similar to the male, with slight variations in the intensity of the colours, but overall, the plumage is very similar.
The Eastern Bonelli's Warbler has a distinctive call, often described as a sharp, metallic "tik" or "tsit", and its song is a series of short, melodic phrases.
The Eastern Bonelli's Warbler is an active and agile bird, often seen flitting between trees and shrubs in search of insects, and its flight is characterized by a rapid, darting motion.
The Eastern Bonelli's Warbler can be confused with the Western Bonelli's Warbler, but can be distinguished by its lack of wing bars and its more yellowish tint to the breast and flanks, as well as its distinctive call and song.
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