Icterine Warbler
Hippolais icterina
Acacia thornveld. Brown above with yellow flight-feather edges; below yellow.
Allies, Warblers
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Fairly common summer visitor. Larger than [Willow Warbler]; usually more yellow with clearly yellow-edged wing coverts, sharply sloping forehead, orange lower mandible to broad-based bill and unnotched tail-tip. Sings a repetitive jumble of warbled notes, some pleasant, others harsh and nasal. Solitary; prefers Acacia thornveld. Hops about while feeding in tree canopies, often singing. Sparsely distributed.
Quick Facts
Size
14-15 cm - S
Names
A: Spotsanger
Z: usikhothapela
G: Gelbspötter
Bird Family
Small, insectivorous birds of mostly sombre colouring. Many have attractive warbling songs and short calls that aid identification to the practised ear, but sound confusingly similar to the inexperienced. Several species visit southern Africa from Europe during summer. Sexes are alike.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Solitary; prefers 'Acacia' thornveld.
