| Arabian Warbler | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Sylviidae |
| Genus: | Curruca |
| Species: | Curruca leucomelaena |
The Arabian Warbler, also known as the Red Sea Warbler or Blandford's Warbler (Curruca leucomelaena), is a species of typical warbler that inhabits the arid savannas of western Arabia and northeastern Africa.
Description[]
With a length of 14.5 to 16 centimeters, the Arabian Warbler is one of the larger Curruca warblers. It looks similar to the Western Orphean Warbler, but has a longer, rounded tail, and white tips and no white edges on the outer tail feathers. In contrast to the Western Orphean Warbler, the iris is dark and the eye ring is lighter. Males and females look alike and have a darker head than the males of the Western Orphean Warbler. In winter plumage, the head and back are brownish. Immatures have a brownish-gray plumage parting.
Voice[]
The call is a clicking "t(r)ack" that is repeated several times. The clear, melodious singing consists of short stanzas with large pitch jumps. It is reminiscent of the Eurasian Blackcap and the Western Orphean Warbler.
Behavior[]
Foraging on insects and other small arthropods, though berries are also eaten, the Arabian Warbler is predominantly an insectivorous bird. With its breeding season taking place in spring, it lays an average of two to three eggs in a bowl-shaped nest, and both parents incubate them for 15-16 days. In Israel, nesting takes place between February and mid-June. There are often 2 or more broods raised per year.
Distribution and Habitat[]
With an area of distribution in the east of Africa and the west of the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabian Warbler nests in acacia groves in the semi-desert at up to 3000 meters above sea level.