Arabian warbler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arabian warbler |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Curruca
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| Species: |
leucomelaena
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| Synonyms | |
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Sylvia leucomelaena |
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The Arabian warbler (scientific name: Curruca leucomelaena) is a small bird. It's also known as the Red Sea warbler or Blandford's warbler. This bird is part of the Old World warbler family.
You can find the Arabian warbler in many countries. These include Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Israel, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. It lives in dry areas called savannas. It especially likes places with Acacia trees.
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Meet the Arabian Warbler Family
Scientists group living things into categories. The Arabian warbler has different types, called subspecies. Think of them like different branches of the same family tree.
There are four main subspecies of the Arabian warbler:
- C. l. negevensis: This one lives in the Arava Valley in Israel and Jordan.
- C. l. leucomelaena: You can find this type in northwestern Saudi Arabia. It also lives south into Yemen and east into Oman.
- C. l. blanfordi: This subspecies is found from southeastern Egypt to southeastern Eritrea.
- C. l. somaliensis: This type lives in Djibouti and northern Somalia.
What Does the Arabian Warbler Look Like?
The Arabian warbler is a medium-sized bird for its group. It is about 14.5 centimeters (5.7 inches) long. It stands up straight and has short, rounded wings. Its tail is long and it often flicks it downwards.
Male vs. Female Warblers
Male Arabian warblers have a white ring around their eyes. Their head and tail are blackish-brown. Their upper body is grayish-brown. They have a whitish throat and light gray underparts.
Female warblers look similar to males. However, their head and tail are chocolate brown. Their eye ring is also less noticeable.
Warbler Sounds
Only the male Arabian warbler usually sings. Its song is short and melodious. It sounds like a bubbling warble, similar to a thrush. Males often sing from a high spot. Sometimes, they sing while hidden in bushes. When they are alarmed, they make quiet "chack" sounds.
How the Arabian Warbler Lives
The Arabian warbler is an active bird. It spends its time looking for food and raising its young.
What Do They Eat?
Arabian warblers mostly eat insects. They also enjoy small arthropods, which are like tiny bugs. Sometimes, they will eat berries too.
Breeding and Nests
Arabian warblers lay their eggs in the spring. They often have two or more groups of babies each year. In Israel, nesting happens between February and mid-June. These birds prefer dry savanna areas. They are especially found near Acacia tree groves.
Is the Arabian Warbler Safe?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) checks on animals. They decide if a species is in danger. They have said the Arabian warbler is a "least concern" species. This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing.
The Arabian warbler lives in a wide area. It is quite common in parts of Africa. While its numbers might be going down a little, it's not fast enough to be a big worry.
