Western Subalpine Warbler
Curruca iberiae
The Western Subalpine Warbler is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen in the southern regions during the spring and autumn, with occasional sightings in other parts of the country. It is most often encountered in areas with dense vegetation, such as scrublands and woodland edges.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Western Subalpine Warbler in the field.
This species can be identified by its grey-brown back, white underside, and distinctive white eye-ring, as well as its relatively long tail and short, pointed bill. Its wings are also notable for their broad, pale edges.
The Western Subalpine Warbler is smaller than a House Sparrow, measuring around 11-12 cm in length.
The male Western Subalpine Warbler has a grey-brown back, white throat, and breast, with a pale yellowish-buff belly, and a white eye-ring that surrounds its dark eye.
The female is similar to the male, but with a slightly duller colouration, particularly on the back and wings, and a less pronounced white eye-ring.
The Western Subalpine Warbler's call is a sharp, metallic "tek" or "tack", while its song is a melodic, warbling phrase that rises and falls in pitch.
This warbler is an active, skulking bird that feeds on insects and spiders, often flitting between dense vegetation and making short, darting flights in pursuit of prey.
The Western Subalpine Warbler can be confused with the Eastern Subalpine Warbler, but can be distinguished by its grey-brown back and white underside, as well as its broader, paler wing edges, and its distinctive white eye-ring.
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