SUBALPINE WARBLER
This warbler is another shy species, hiding away as soon as my camera is out. They are 120 to 130mm long, with both sexes having distinct plumage. The female is mainly brown above, with a grey head and whitish underparts and a chin, tinged pinkish buff. The male is a very handsome fellow with a grey head and back, brick-red underparts and a white moustache. Both sexes have pale yellow legs.
Subalpine warblers enjoy scrubland with few trees, as their main habitat, Dense bushes dominated by brambles are also acceptable. The male constructs several “cock nests” to entice a female, but once a pair has been established, both sexes build the breeding nest. This a deep, robust cup of grasses, thin roots and leaves, lined with finer grasses and hair. The nest is built in bushes or small trees at a height between 300 and 1300mm. 3 to 5 eggs are laid. This warbler's diet consists mostly of small insects and their larvae, but outside the breeding season, berries and fruit are added.
