Arctic Warbler
Phylloscopus borealis
The Arctic warbler is a widespread leaf warbler in birch or mixed birch forest near water throughout its breeding range in Fennoscandia and the northern Palearctic. It has established a foothold in North America, breeding in Alaska.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_warbler
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Phylloscopidae
Genus
Phylloscopus
Arctic Warbler belongs to the family Phylloscopidae, order Passeriformes, within the Aves class.
Species Profile
The Arctic warbler is a widespread leaf warbler in birch or mixed birch forest near water throughout its breeding range in Fennoscandia and the northern Palearctic. It has established a foothold in North America, breeding in Alaska. This warbler is strongly migratory; the entire population winters in southeast Asia. It therefore has one of the longest migrations of any Old World insectivorous bird.
The Arctic Warbler faces significant population declines primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural conversion in both breeding and wintering grounds. Climate change is altering the timing of insect emergence, disrupting the species' breeding cycle and food availability during critical periods.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The Arctic Warbler faces significant population declines primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural conversion in both breeding and wintering grounds. Climate change is altering the timing of insect emergence, disrupting the species' breeding cycle and food availability during critical periods.
Agricultural conversion of habitat
Climate change disrupting insect prey cycles
Deforestation in breeding grounds
Changes in forest structure from logging
Habitat degradation in wintering areas
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (EN).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | ENEndangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | ENEndangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
Report a sightingNo community sightings yet. Be the first to report!
Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/arctic-warbler