Birdsong field guide
Olive-tree Warbler
Hippolais olivetorum
The Olive-tree Warbler is the largest member of its genus, a robust Old World warbler characterized by its heavy bill and distinctively slow, rhythmic song.
What it sounds like
A deep, slow, and rhythmic song consisting of harsh, croaking notes similar to a Great Reed Warbler but delivered at a more measured pace.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- It is the largest Hippolais warbler, possessing a notably long, heavy bill with a yellowish-orange lower mandible.
- The species features a prominent pale panel on the folded wing created by light-colored edges on the secondary feathers.
- Despite its common name, it frequently breeds in oak scrub, pistachio groves, and orchards rather than exclusively in olive trees.
- In flight, its large size and relatively slow wingbeats can cause it to be mistaken for a small shrike.
- It is a long-distance migrant that travels from the Mediterranean to winter in the acacia savannas of eastern and southern Africa.
Habitat
Open Mediterranean woodlands, mature orchards, oak scrub, and dry bushy hillsides with scattered trees.
Range
Breeds in Southeast Europe, Turkey, and the Levant; winters in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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