Large-billed Leaf Warbler

Large leaf warbler with two whitish wingbars, dark greenish-gray upperparts, a long and contrasting white eyebrow, and a robust dark bill. Breeds in high-elevation forest across the Himalayas, where it is scarce, to China, where it is more common. Winters in dense tropical forest in South India and Sri Lanka, where its piercing two-note whistled call is a common sound. Conspicuous during migration as it passes slowly through varied habitats, sometimes singing its pleasant breeding song composed of five whistles.

Habitat. Breeds in evergreen forest, mostly birch (Betula) and silver fir (Abies pindrow), and rhododendron (Rhododendron), usually near streams or rivers, also in willow (Salix) thickets, edges of cultivation, wooded ravines and open areas in mixed or deciduous forest; 1800–3700 m.

Food mainly small insects and larvae. Solitary. Forages mostly in upper canopy and along tree branches, rather than in foliage or undergrowth.