Greece Bird Tours

Olive-tree Warbler (Hippolais olivetorum) - Sigri, Lesvos Island, Spring 2026

Some species are very special due to their elusive behavior. One of them is the Olive-tree Warbler, a species that would most probably be overlooked, since their is nothing stunning about it: grey color, scratchy warbler-like song, small size. However it is definately one of the most wanted species for birders that visit the island.

This year we found several individuals in the olive orchard around Polichnitos area. But the highlight was surprisingly in Sigri area. Wondering around the Fanoromeni stream, we heard this little cute one singing. Moments later the birds was out in the open, giving a singing crescento, almost like a Great Reed Warbler which is usually exposed and nicely perched. I have never seen such a behavior from this species: usually you just hear the bird between the olive trees and very rarely you can even seen them hopping from tree to tree.

I managed to take several shots... it was the first time ever that I could have the whole body of the bird in a photo, since it is mostly covered with olive leaves.

Olive-tree Warbler (Hippolais olivetorum) - Faneromeni Upper Ford - 2/5/2026