Yemen Warbler Sylvia buryi is a common
resident of the south-west highlands in bushy areas especially on the Raydah
escarpment, and slightly less frequently in similar habitats on the Jebal Souda
plateau and areas around Tanoumah and Al Baha as far north as Wadi Thee Gazelle
near Taif. The species is local in its occurrence. In 1987 it was recorded more
frequently than in 2010, especially on the plateau area. It is native to
south-west Saudi Arabia and west Yemen and is a rather plain-looking warbler
with a large head, short wings and a long tail. Both sexes are sooty-grey to
dark brown above, with a darker head, especially around the eye and a
distinctively white iris, contrasting with the dark orbital ring. The dark
upperparts are clearly demarcated from the pale underparts, which are white on
the throat and buffish on the belly, with a dull apricot patch between the
legs. It is classified as vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List 2006 and has a
population of less than 10,000 mature birds. They have a slow song that is
quite loud as well as a thrush like warble and are very active, almost always
in pairs where they search for insects in the centre of thick acacias,
frequently hanging upside down. Their flight is weak and low, with an upwards
swoop when landing on a branch. In Saudi Arabia, this species is found mostly
within well-developed Juniperus woodland between 1500 & 2900 metres above
sea level. They nest in bushes or trees, normally at a low height and breed
from March to July. Their diet consists primarily of insects, but fruits will
also be taken when available.
