Sri Lanka Bush Warbler

The Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, Ceylon Bush Warbler or Palliser's Warbler (Elaphrornis palliseri) is an Old World warbler which is an endemic resident breeder in Sri Lanka, where it is the only bush warbler. The Sri Lanka Bush Warbler has sometimes been placed in the genus Bradypterus; it appears to be closely related to that genus, but differs in structure (relatively shorter-tailed and longer-billed), plumage (unmarked) and song. It is monotypic.

The Sri Lanka Bush Warbler is a bird of dense forest undergrowth, often close to water. It is found in the highlands of central Sri Lanka, usually above 1200 m. The nest is built in a shrub, and two eggs are laid.

This is a medium-large warbler at 14 cm. The adult has a plain brown back, pale grey underparts, a broad tail and short wings. There is a weak supercilium, and the throat is tinged orange. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds lack the throat colouration.

The Sri Lanka Bush Warbler is a skulky species which can very difficult to see. Perhaps the best site is Horton Plains National Park. It keeps low in vegetation, and, like most warblers, it is insectivorous.

Males are often only detected by the loud song, which has an explosive queet.