Leaf warblers · Perching birds
Mountain Chiffchaff
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Phylloscopus sindianus
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Voice
Song
How to recognize it
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10–11.5 cm, very small leaf warbler
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Brownish upperparts, buff on the underparts
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Fine, dark bill
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Song fast and choppy; call a weak "psew"
About the species
Mountain Chiffchaff is a small, olive-brown warbler with browner upperparts and buff along the sides. Its bill looks fine and dark, and the plumage stays plain rather than patterned.
It moves through shrubs and trees with quick, restless motions. The song comes in a fast stream of short notes, while the call is a weak "psew".
It lives in mountain woods and reed beds at higher elevations, then moves lower in winter. It feeds mainly on small insects, especially flies, and also takes berries and fruit.
Where to find
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In mature city parks with birches and other large trees, the quick, choppy song often comes from the upper canopy while the leaves are still dense.
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Along reed-fringed ponds and canal banks, it stays close to the water’s edge — a weak call from bushes and reeds is the clue.
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On quiet slopes and broad green strips with shrubs, watch for fast, low movement through branches while it hunts tiny insects.
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In foothill towns with tree-lined avenues, early morning is best — short bursts of song drift down from the crowns.
