At 15–16 cm length—somewhat larger than a blackcap—this is one of the largest species of typical warblers. The adult males have a plain grey back. The bill is long and pointed and the legs black. The male has a dark grey head, black eye mask, and white throat. The iris is white. Females and immatures have a paler head and reddish underparts; their grey back has a brownish tinge. The iris is dark in young birds. It is difficult to visually distinguish from the Western Orphean warbler.[3]
The song is a series of warbling liroo-liroo and scolding notes. Its song is more varied than that of the western Orphean warbler,[4] approaching the Nightingale in richness.[4]
These small passerine birds[5] are found in open deciduous woodland. 4–6 eggs are laid in a nest in a bush or tree. Like most "warblers", the eastern Orphean warbler is a nectarivore.[6]
^Helbig, A. J. (2001). Phylogeny and biogeography of the genus Sylvia, in: Shirihai, Hadoram: Sylvia warblers: 24-29. Princeton University Press, Princeton, N.J. ISBN0-691-08833-0.
^ abSnow, David W.; Perrins, Christopher M.; Doherty, Paul & Cramp, Stanley (1998). The complete birds of the western Palaearctic on CD-ROM. Oxford University Press. ISBN0-19-268579-1.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Porter, Noah, ed. (1913). "[no title cited]". Webster's Dictionary. Springfield, Massachusetts: C. & G. Merriam Co.
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