Eastern subalpine warbler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eastern subalpine warbler |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
The eastern subalpine warbler (Curruca cantillans) is a small songbird found in southern Europe. It's a type of typical warbler, known for its beautiful songs. This bird was first described in 1764 by a German scientist named Peter Simon Pallas. Its scientific name, cantillans, comes from a Latin word meaning "warbling" or "singing."
Like many warblers, the male and female eastern subalpine warblers look different. The male has a grey back and head, with a reddish-orange chest and belly. He also has white stripes on his cheeks, like little "moustaches." The female is mostly brown on her back, with a slightly greyer head. Her underside is whitish, often with a hint of pink. The song of this warbler is fast and sounds a bit like rattling. It's quite similar to the song of the lesser whitethroat.
This bird is related to other warblers, like the Sardinian warbler and Menetries' warbler. These birds often have white areas on their cheeks, and the adult males have dark heads. The eastern subalpine warbler used to be considered the same species as the western subalpine warbler. However, in 2020, scientists decided they were different enough to be separate species. The eastern warbler has deeper blue-grey feathers on its upper parts and a darker mask around its eyes. Its reddish-brown color is mostly on its throat and chest, with a whiter belly.
This warbler prefers dry, open areas, especially on hillsides. It likes places with lots of bushes where it can build its nest.
What They Look Like
The eastern subalpine warbler is a small, active bird.
- Males: They have a striking appearance.
- Their back and head are a clear grey color.
- Their chest and belly are a bright, brick-red.
- Look for white stripes on their cheeks, which stand out against their grey head.
- Females: They are less colorful than the males.
- Their upper parts are mainly brown.
- Their head is a bit greyer than their body.
- Their underside is whitish, sometimes with a soft pink tint.
- Song: Their song is quick and sounds like a rapid series of notes. It can be described as a "rattling" sound.
Where They Live and What They Eat
Eastern subalpine warblers live in dry, open areas, often on sunny hills. They like places with dense bushes and some scattered trees. You might find them in areas with holm oak or strawberry tree bushes. They also like young cork oak forests.
These birds build their nests in low shrubs or bushes, usually about 30 to 130 centimeters (about 1 to 4 feet) off the ground. The nest is a strong, cup-shaped structure made of grasses, roots, and leaves. It's lined with finer materials like hair. The female usually lays 3 to 5 eggs.
Like most warblers, their main diet is insects and their larvae (young insects). This means they are very helpful for controlling insect populations! When it's not breeding season, they also enjoy eating berries and fruits. Breeding usually happens from late March to late June.
