The dusky warbler

A dusky warbler is seen at Futian Mangrove Park. Photos by Isaac Cohen

The dusky warbler

The dusky warbler (Phylloscopus fuscatus) is a small bird found in various parts of the world, including Shenzhen. Measuring around 10 centimeters in length, this charming bird has a brownish-gray plumage, which helps it blend in with its natural surroundings. Adding to its charm is the presence of a pale eyebrow stripe, a distinctive feature almost impossible not to notice.

褐柳莺是一种全球常见的小型雀形目鸟类，深圳亦可见。体长约10厘米，橄榄褐色的体羽能够使其完美地融入周遭的环境，灰白色的眉纹是本物种重要的辨识特征之一。

Long-distance migration is a significant aspect of the dusky warbler’s life cycle. During winter, they leave their breeding grounds and travel to warmer regions, such as Shenzhen. The city’s green areas and parks serve as stopover points for these weary travelers, providing them with essential resources to replenish their energy before continuing their journey.

长距离迁徙是褐柳莺生命周期中的重要环节。每逢秋冬时节，大批个体便开始迁离繁殖地，前往气候温暖的低纬度地区越冬。深圳是它们秋迁重要的经停地之一，在城市中的绿地和公园里稍事休息、补充体力后，这些小小的鸟儿将再度启程，踏上漫漫南迁路。

A dusky warbler is seen at Futian Mangrove Park.

Dusky warblers primarily feed on insects and small invertebrates. They forage among the vegetation, hopping from branch to branch in search of their prey.

褐柳莺主要以昆虫和小型无脊椎动物为食，常在植物的茎叶及枝桠间跳上跳下，捕食藏匿其中的昆虫。

During the breeding season, typically in the spring and summer months, the male warblers sing beautiful and melodious songs to attract future mates. The females then lay aclutch of up to six eggs, which both parents incubate. They also tirelessly feed and care for the hatchlings until the chicks are ready to leave the nest.

褐柳莺于春、夏两季繁殖。雄鸟通过婉转的鸣唱来吸引异性交配，雌鸟每窝产卵可达6枚。后续的孵化、育雏、教导等程序都由亲鸟共同完成，悉心呵护直到雏鸟具备离巢独立生活的能力。

Thewarbler holds great importance for the local ecosystems. As insectivores, they help control insect populations, preventing outbreaks that could harm plants and crops. Their presence adds to the city’s biodiversity and natural beauty.

褐柳莺在维护本地生态平衡中扮演着重要的角色。首先，它们以昆虫为食，可以调控昆虫种群的数量，预防害虫大规模泛滥，对农作物产生危害。此外，它们的存在本身就丰富了深圳的物种多样性，是我们的城市中一道靓丽的风景线。

Let us embrace the responsibility of safeguarding our green spaces, so thatdusky warblers will continue to grace our city for generations to come.

保护好城市中的绿地，是每位市民应尽的责任。让我们行动起来，一起向着人类与褐柳莺等鸟类共同繁荣的未来而努力。