Phylloscopus chloronotus (J.E.Gray & G.R.Gray, 1847)

Scientific Nomenclature and Basic Size

Lemon-rumped Warbler, whose scientific name is Phylloscopus chloronotus (J.E.Gray & G.R.Gray, 1847), measures 9–10 cm in length and weighs approximately 4.6–5.1 g.

Head Markings

It has a whitish crown stripe bordered by darker olive-brown sides, a pale line above the eye, and a dark eyestripe that often curves downward.

Upperparts Coloration

Its upperparts are greenish-grey, and its rump is yellowish or whitish, which is the source of the species' common name.

Wing Features

The wings are grey-brown with green edging and usually display one or two pale wingbars.

Underparts Coloration

The underparts are whitish or buff, with some grey coloring along the sides of the breast.

Bill and Leg Features

The bill is dark, with a yellowish or orange base on the lower mandible, and the legs are dark grey.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males and females have similar plumage, although females are slightly smaller.

Juvenile Plumage

Juveniles look very similar to adults.

Subspecies Classification and Plumage Differences

Two subspecies are currently recognized: one occurs in the central and eastern Himalayas, and the other occurs in the western Himalayas, and the western subspecies has greener, more buff-toned plumage.

Breeding Range

This species breeds across the Himalayas, ranging from northern Pakistan through Nepal into India, Bhutan, and China.

Non-Breeding Range

During winter, it moves down to lower elevations, reaching as far as Assam and occasionally Myanmar, but its reported presence in Afghanistan is unconfirmed.

Elevational Range General

It lives in montane forests located between 2,200 and 4,200 meters above sea level.

Regional Elevational Variation

In Pakistan, it is most common at elevations of 2,200–2,700 m, while in Nepal its range extends up to 4,000 m.

Winter Elevational Range

Winter records place the species between 300–2,700 m, generally above 1,000 m.

Breeding Habitat

Its breeding habitat includes spruce and fir forests with rhododendron and broadleaf trees, as well as oak and lower-elevation broadleaf stands located near the conifer zone.