About Iduna caligata (Lichtenstein, 1823)
Scientific Naming and Size Comparison
The booted warbler, scientifically named Iduna caligata (Lichtenstein, 1823), is a small species of warbler that is similar in size to the common chiffchaff.
Plumage Coloration
It has undistinguished plumage: upperparts are plain greyish brown, and underparts are paler.
Facial and Bill Features
It has a clear pale supercilium and a short bill with a dark tip.
General Body Shape
Overall, it is a short-winged, rather pot-bellied warbler with a square-tipped tail.
Similar Species Identification
This species is challenging to tell apart from Sykes's warbler.
Breeding and Wintering Range
The booted warbler breeds from central Russia to western China, and migrates to the Indian subcontinent to winter, reaching as far south as Sri Lanka.
Breeding Range Expansion
It has expanded its breeding range westward in recent decades, and now nests as far west and north as Finland.
Vagrant Occurrence Records
It is a regular vagrant to Western Europe, with over 180 records in Great Britain up to 2023.
