Arabian Warbler
Curruca leucomelaena
A fairly large Sylvia warbler with a prominent black hood, a pale whitish eyering, and most importantly a long, broad black tail that lacks white outer tail feathers in contrast to the very similar looking Eastern Orphean Warbler. Favors extensive acacia scrub in large wadis and plains where it is often seen moving lazily in the canopy. Sedentary, but moves fair distances within large territories. Call is a fluty whistle combined with a harsh "Chak" call.
Identification
The Arabian warbler is a large member of its genus, with a length of about 14.5 cm (5.7 in). It has an upright posture, relatively short, rounded wings and a long, graduated tail which it characteristically flicks downwards. The male has a white eye-ring, a blackish-brown hood and tail, greyish-brown upper parts, a whitish throat and pale grey underparts. The female is similar but the hood and tail are chocolate brown and the eye ring is less conspicuous. The song, normally uttered only by the male, is a short melodious, thrush-like bubbling warble, usually sung from an elevated perch, but sometimes sung from cover. The alarm call is a series of quiet "chack"s.
Taxonomy
Four subspecies are recognised; C. l. negevensis, from the Arava Valley in Israel and Jordan; C. l. leucomelaena, from northwestern Saudi Arabia southward to Yemen and then eastward to Oman; C. l. blanfordi, from southeastern Egypt to southeastern Eritrea; and C. l. somaliensis, from Djibouti and northern Somalia.
- Scientific name
- Curruca leucomelaena
- Authority
- Hemprich & Ehrenberg, 1833
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Sylviidae
- Genus
- Curruca
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The Arabian warbler forages for insects and small arthropods, and also feeds on berries. Breeding takes place in the spring and there are often two or more broods. In Israel nesting takes place between February and mid-June. This bird is found in arid savannah country where it is particularly associated with Acacia groves.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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