Hume's Warbler (Phylloscopus humei)

Hume's Warbler (Phylloscopus humei) - Birds Around Me 0269

- December 29, 2025

The Hume’s Warbler (Phylloscopus humei), often called Hume’s Leaf Warbler, is a delicate yet energetic bird that adds life to Himalayan forests and scrublands. Named after Allan Octavian Hume, a British civil servant and pioneering ornithologist in India, this species is a fitting tribute to his contributions to Indian ornithology.

Hume's Warbler (Phylloscopus humei)
Jabalpur, December 2025

Measuring just 9–10 cm in length, Hume’s Warbler is olive‑green above and pale yellowish‑white below. It is marked by two pale wing bars and a faint eyebrow stripe (supercilium), which help distinguish it from other warblers such as the Yellow‑browed Warbler. Its compact build, dark bill and legs, and subtle crown stripe give it a “cooler” appearance compared to its close relatives.

This warbler breeds in the alpine shrubbery of Inner Asia and the Tibetan Plateau, nesting in high‑altitude regions during summer. In winter, it migrates south, with India being one of its primary destinations. It is frequently seen flitting among branches in the Himalayan foothills, plains south of the Himalayas, and even wet hilltops farther south.

Hume's Warbler (Phylloscopus humei)
Jabalpur, December 2025

Despite its small size, Hume’s Warbler is highly active. It forages tirelessly, gleaning insects and tiny invertebrates from foliage. Its distinct high‑pitched call carries across treetops, making it easier to detect than to see. Birdwatchers often rely on its vocalizations to identify it amid dense vegetation.

Ecologically, Hume’s Warbler plays an important role in controlling insect populations and enriching avian biodiversity in its habitats. For birders, spotting this inconspicuous species is both a challenge and a reward, as it embodies the subtle beauty of migratory songbirds that connect distant landscapes across continents.

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Ashutosh Jhureley @BirdsAroundMe