🐦 Eastern Crowned Warbler (Phylloscopus coronatus) – The Small Songbird of the Sundarbans

The Eastern Crowned Warbler is a small, migratory passerine bird known for its melodious song and striking crown markings. Found in forests, wetlands, and mangrove regions, this warbler is an occasional visitor to the Sundarbans, where it thrives during migration.

🏷 Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Passeriformes
• Family: Phylloscopidae
• Genus: Phylloscopus
• Species: Phylloscopus coronatus

🎶 Known for its sweet, high-pitched song, the Eastern Crowned Warbler is a skilled insect hunter that flits between trees and foliage.

🔬 Morphology & Physical Characteristics

• Size: Small, about 12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 inches).
• Weight: Lightweight, usually 8–12 grams.
• Coloration:
  • Olive-green upper body for camouflage.
  • Pale yellowish-white underparts.
  • Prominent yellowish-white eyebrow stripe (supercilium).
• Distinct Features:
  • Pale yellowish crown stripe, making it easy to identify.
  • Short, thin beak, perfect for catching insects.
  • Slender, agile body, built for quick movements.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

The Eastern Crowned Warbler inhabits dense woodlands, mangroves, and forest edges, especially during migration.

🌎 Key Habitats:
✅ Sundarbans (India & Bangladesh) 🌿 – Seasonal migrant, often seen during winter migration.
✅ Northeast India, China, Korea, Japan 🌳 – Breeding range.
✅ Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Philippines 🌏 – Wintering range.

📌 Preferred Habitat:

• Mangrove forests & coastal woodlands – Provides food and shelter.
• Dense undergrowth & shrublands – Perfect for nesting and foraging.
• Riverbanks & wetlands – Attracts insects, their primary food source.

✨ Special Features & Adaptations

1️⃣ Long-Distance Migrant – Flies thousands of kilometers between breeding and wintering grounds. 🛫
2️⃣ Insectivorous Diet – Feeds on small insects, spiders, and caterpillars. 🐛
3️⃣ Melodious Singing Ability – Uses a high-pitched trill for communication and attracting mates. 🎶
4️⃣ Excellent Camouflage – Blends perfectly with leaves and branches, avoiding predators. 🍃
5️⃣ Fast & Agile Flight – Helps in quick escapes from predators. 🚀

🌿 Presence in the Sundarbans

The Sundarbans, with its mangrove trees, dense canopy, and rich insect population, serves as a wintering stopover for the Eastern Crowned Warbler.

📌 Key Areas in the Sundarbans:
✔ Mangrove edges and tree canopies – Favorite foraging zones.
✔ Shrubby forest regions near estuaries – Rich in insects.
✔ Seasonal migration stopover points – Sighted between September to March.

⚠️ Threats & Conservation Challenges

🚨 Deforestation & Habitat Loss – Clearing of forests reduces their nesting sites.
🚨 Climate Change & Rising Sea Levels – Alters their migratory routes.
🚨 Insect Population Decline – Due to pesticide use, their food source is affected.
🚨 Hunting & Poaching in Some Areas – Though uncommon, small birds sometimes fall victim to trapping.

✅ Conservation Efforts

✔ Mangrove Conservation Projects – Protecting their winter habitat.
✔ Eco-Tourism & Birdwatching Initiatives – Creating awareness among visitors.
✔ Reforestation Programs – Increasing available tree cover for nesting.

🚨 Conservation Status

📌 IUCN Red List: Least Concern (Stable Population).
📌 CITES: Not Listed.
📌 Indian Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule IV (Moderate Protection).

While not currently endangered, the loss of forests and wetlands could threaten their long-term survival.

The Eastern Crowned Warbler is a charming, seasonal visitor to the Sundarbans, playing a crucial role in controlling insect populations. With its melodious song and unique appearance, it is a favorite among birdwatchers. Protecting mangrove forests and natural habitats will ensure this species continues to thrive in the Sundarbans and beyond. 🌿🐦

🌟 Credit Note

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For more details, visit the Eastern Crowned Warbler Wikipedia Page.