Moltoni's Warbler

5 months ago

Points: 95

Not yet spotted on Fladder

Moltoni's Warbler (Sylvia subalpina) is a small, neat warbler with a distinctive peachy-pink flush on its underparts, especially in males. It has a plain grey head and upperparts, with a clean white throat contrasting with the pink breast. Its song is a fast, chattering trill, subtly different from its close relatives. It prefers low, dense scrub.

Where to spot

Breeds in the western Mediterranean region, including parts of Italy, France (Corsica), and Northwest Africa. Winters in sub-Saharan West Africa. Prefers low, dense Mediterranean scrub, garrigue, and maquis, especially on slopes.

How to spot

Look for its small size, clean grey head, and distinctive peachy-pink wash on the underparts (stronger in males). Listen for its fast, rather monotonous, chattering trill, which lacks the more varied phrases of the Subalpine Warbler (S. cantillans).

When to spot

Best observed during the breeding season (April-July) when males are singing. Migrants can be seen during spring (March-April) and autumn (August-September) passage.

Where to spot

How to spot

When to spot

Best observed during the breeding season (April-July) when males are singing. Migrants can be seen during spring (March-April) and autumn (August-September) passage.

Credits: Afbeelding van <a href="https://pixabay.com/nl/users/babilkulesi-4016372/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1908379">Babil Kulesi</a> via <a href="https://pixabay.com/nl//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium

Moltoni's Warbler was formerly considered a subspecies of the Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans complex) but was elevated to full species status based on genetic, morphological, and vocal differences, particularly its distinctive pinkish underparts.

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