Davison's Leaf Warbler

Phylloscopus intensior

The Davison's Leaf Warbler, *Phylloscopus intensior*, is a diminutive and active passerine, endemic to the montane forests of Borneo. Measuring approximately 10.5-12 cm in length and weighing a mere 6-8 grams, it boasts olive-green upperparts that transition to paler yellowish-white on the underparts, with a distinctly bright yellow wash on the flanks and undertail-coverts. Key identification marks include a prominent yellow supercilium, contrasting with a dark eye-stripe and a dark loral lin...

Habitat

Found exclusively in montane and submontane evergreen broadleaf forests, typically at elevations ranging from 900 to 3000 meters above sea level.

Diet

Feeds almost exclusively on small insects and other invertebrates, including caterpillars, small beetles, spiders, and flies, gleaned from foliage and bark.

Behavior

Davison's Leaf Warblers are highly active and diurnal, constantly flitting through the forest canopy and understory. Their primary foraging strategy involves gleaning small insects and other invertebrates from leaves, twigs, and bark, often hovering briefly or making short aerial sallies to snatc...

Range

The Davison's Leaf Warbler is strictly endemic to the island of Borneo, where it is a year-round resident of montane regions. Its distribution spans across the highlands of Malaysian states, Sabah and Sarawak, the tiny nation of Brunei, and the Indonesian provinces of Kalimantan. It is found in m...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- Davison's Leaf Warbler was only recently recognized as a distinct species, having previously been considered a subspecies of the Sunda Leaf Warbler (*Phylloscopus trivirgatus*). - Its elevation to full species status was primarily driven by unique vocalizations and genetic divergence, highlight...

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