Arctic Warbler

Phylloscopus borealis

Family: Leaf Warblers · Status: Very common migrant · Size: 12.5–13 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds across northern Eurasia, Siberia, northeastern China and Alaska, winters in Southeast Asia.

Identification

Has dull brown-gray upperparts, white supercilium, one or two narrow wing bars (though usually worn and indistinct in Singapore), dirty-white underparts, dull yellow bill with black lower mandible tip. In breeding plumage, generally seen towards spring, upperparts are olive-green and supercilium is brighter yellow. Eastern Crowned Warbler is similar but has a white median crown stripe, brighter olive upperparts, a longer and more distinct supercilium, and yellow vent. Pale-legged Leaf Warbler and Sakhalin Leaf Warbler have generally darker brown upperparts and pale pink (not dark) legs. Two-barred Warbler is similar but lacks the dark tip to the lower mandible and shows slightly more prominent wing bars. Dusky Warbler lacks wing bars entirely and has dark to greyish-brown upperparts, buff supercilium, and pale buff underparts with buff flanks.

Habitat

Forest, forest edge, wooded areas, mangroves, parks, and gardens.

Behaviour

Frequents the canopy; forages actively in foliage.