Birdsong field guide
Icterine Warbler
Hippolais icterina
A large, vibrant Old World warbler characterized by its lemon-yellow underparts and impressive vocal mimicry. It is a long-distance migrant that breeds in temperate Europe and winters in sub-Saharan Africa.
What it sounds like
A loud, fast, and varied medley of nasal 'te-te-te' notes and squeaky whistles, heavily interspersed with expert mimicry.
Field notes
- It is a prolific mimic, capable of incorporating the songs and calls of dozens of other bird species into its own repertoire.
- The species possesses exceptionally long primary feathers, an aerodynamic adaptation for its long-distance migration to Africa.
- Its scientific name 'icterina' is derived from the Greek 'ikteros' (jaundice), referring to the bird's yellow coloration.
- Nests are meticulously constructed cups often decorated with birch bark, lichen, and spider silk for camouflage.
- Despite its bright appearance, it can be difficult to spot as it prefers foraging in the high canopy of deciduous trees.
Habitat
Open deciduous forests, parks, orchards, and gardens with tall trees and thick undergrowth.
Range
Breeds across mainland Europe (excluding the southwest) to Western Siberia; winters in Southern and Eastern Africa.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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