Seicercus castaniceps (Hodgson, 1845)

Taxonomic Classification

The chestnut-crowned warbler, currently classified as Phylloscopus castaniceps, is a species of leaf warbler in the family Phylloscopidae.

Former Taxonomic Placement

It was formerly grouped into the broader "Old World warbler" assemblage, and was previously placed in the genus Seicercus under the scientific name Seicercus castaniceps (Hodgson, 1845).

Phylogenetic Study Findings

A molecular phylogenetic study published in 2018 found that neither the genus Phylloscopus nor Seicercus were monophyletic.

Generic Merger Rationale

In the taxonomic reorganization that followed, the two genera were merged into Phylloscopus, which has priority under the rules of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature.

Geographic Range

This species is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Natural Habitats

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.

Subspecies and Superspecies

Nine subspecies are recognized across its range, and it forms a superspecies with the Sunda warbler and the yellow-breasted warbler.

Feeding and Foraging

It is arboreal and primarily insectivorous.

Movement Patterns

Though it is not considered migratory, it may make small seasonal movements to higher or lower elevations.