General

Western Bonelli's Warbler: This small leaf warbler is grey-brown above, white below with a yellow-green rump and diffuse, white-grey eyebrow. Small, buff-brown and grey bill, and pink-brown legs. Medium length black-grey wings have yellow-olive edging to feathers. Medium length tail has some yellow-olive edging to feathers. This species forages for small insects and other arthropods by picking prey off of vegetation with its bill.

Range and Habitat

Western Bonelli's Warbler: Very rare vagrant in the UK & Ireland with less than ten records per year on average. It has occurred in many regions of the UK, and is most likely to be seen during the months of August, September, and October. Breeds in north Africa and southwest and central Europe east to Austria. Spends winters in the western Sahal area of Africa. This species prefers gardens and a variety of forested habitats.

Breeding and Nesting

Western Bonelli's Warbler: Five to six, heavily speckled buff-white eggs are laid in a domed, cup nest constructed with grass, leaves, and moss, and lined with hair. The nest is built on the ground or bank, underneath hanging vegetation. The eggs are incubated by the female for 12 to 13 days.

Foraging and Feeding

Western Bonelli's Warbler: This small leaf warbler feeds on small insects and other arthropods. It forages by actively moving through vegetation of bushes and trees, and picking up prey with its bill. It often forages in the small twigs and leaves in the outer part of a tree crown.

Vocalisation

Western Bonelli’s Warbler: Song is a series of descending, short trilled phrases. Call is a repeated "tuiit", "swee-eet", or a soft "pe-wee-oo".

Similar Species

Western Bonelli's Warbler: Similar species have yellow throats, breasts or bellies.