Red-faced Woodland-warbler
The Red-faced Woodland-warbler (Phylloscopus laetus), is a species of Old World warbler in the family Phylloscopus. Two subspecies are recognized, the nominate P. l. laetus ranges from Western Uganda and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (the Ruwenzori Mountains), south through SW Uganda, western Rwanda and western Burundi. The second subspecies, P. l. schoutedeni, has a more restricted range, being confined to Mt Kabobo in eastern DRC. Overall the species has a total range of 29,000 sq miles. Its natural habitat is highland forest between 4000 and 10,000 feet in elevation, especially in bamboo. It also occurs in areas of secondary forest.
The Red-faced Woodland-warbler is a medium sized (4.5 inch) warbler with a distinctive reddish face, which is richer on P. l. schoutedeni. Overall the rest of the plumage is greenish above with a paler off white belly and rump.
Little is known about the breeding biology of this species. Two or three eggs are laid in a ball nest suspended in a tangle of vines in shrubs and trees (up to 32 feet above the ground). Both parents care for the young. Red-faced Woodland-warblers feed on insects and other invertebrates, particularly bugs, beetles and spiders. They hunt in pairs and will sometimes join small feeding flocks.
The Red-faced Woodland-warbler is not considered threatened by human activities. It has a small worldwide range but is relatively common where it occurs.
