Yemen Warbler
Curruca buryi
Unusual and distinctive warbler of the southwest Arabian highlands. Gray-brown, with a darker cap, paler throat, and pale eye. Found in dry montane scrub and woodland, including juniper and acacia woodland. Generally skulking, but will sometimes come into the open. The song is a loud and distinctive, but variable, series of mix of musical warbled notes. Scratchy, scolding calls are often given on their own, but can also be mixed into the song. Similar in overall shape and size to several other warblers, but identified by the browner overall coloration, with more dusky underparts. Further separated from confusion species like Arabian Warbler by the pale eye.
Identification
The Yemen warbler reaches a length of 15 cm (6 in) and has a weight of around 22 g (0.8 oz). The sexes are similar in appearance and have dark brown upper parts and whitish underparts. The beak is slightly curved, the wings are relatively short and the tail rather long.
Taxonomy
The Yemen warbler was first described in 1913, by the Scottish ornithologist William Robert Ogilvie-Grant, as Parisoma buryi in the babbler family Timaliidae. However, examination of its mitochondrial DNA, vocalizations, behaviour and form led to it being transferred to the genus Curruca in the family Sylviidae. The type locality is Menacha, in Yemen. This warbler is closely related to the brown parisoma (Curruca lugens).
- Scientific name
- Curruca buryi
- Authority
- (Ogilvie-Grant, 1913)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Sylviidae
- Genus
- Curruca
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The Yemen warbler is found in Acacia woodland, hedgerows and bushy areas in mountain regions of southwestern Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Its song is a short, thrush-like warble, often sung from a hidden perch. It feeds largely on insects including caterpillars, but also takes fruit and sips nectar. Breeding takes place between March and July, and the male and female stay together for much of the year.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Great Elaenia
Elaenia dayi
Very large brownish elaenia found only in the tepui region. Note the small, rounded head with only a vaguely crested look, and broken whitish eyering. Brown upperparts contrast with paler olive-gray underparts; also has pale wingbars. Typically found alone or in pairs, perching on the top of small trees and bushes. Occurs in scrub, forest edges, and savanna with small trees. Vocalizations are loud and variable; one common variation is a “SQUEE’ch’ch’ch-cheet-cheet” with both nasal and chattering notes. With a poor view can be surprisingly similar to Black-billed Thrush, but that species lacks wingbars and has a longer bill.
Brolga
Antigone rubicunda
Tall pale gray crane with grayish legs and red bare skin on head that does not extend down the neck. Note red dewlap under chin. Juvenile is gray-headed, with immature birds developing a pink crown. Occurs in wetlands, floodplains, and grasslands across northern and eastern Australia. Take care to identify from Sarus Crane.
Ochraceous Wren
Troglodytes ochraceus
Tiny short-tailed wren, plain warm brown with brighter buffy face and bold buffy eyebrow. Found in highland forests, where it can be seen sneaking up tree trunks and through vine tangles in search of insects. Often follows mixed feeding flocks. Similar to House Wren, but note warmer color and eyebrow. Listen for song, a high-pitched musical jumble of tinkling notes and short trills.
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