Cryptic Warbler

About the Cryptic Warbler

The cryptic warbler (Cryptosylvicola randrianasoloi) is a species of Malagasy warbler in the family Bernieridae. It was formerly placed in the Old World warbler family Sylviidae. It was first discovered in 1992 near the Analamazaotra Special Reserve in Madagascar, and is endemic to the forests on the eastern part of island between Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve and Andohahela National Park.

The cryptic warbler was first identified as a new species in November 1992, when an unknown passerine was photographed, tape recorded and collected from Maromizaha Forest, Eastern Madagascar. Seven days later, the same species was tape recorded at Ranomafana National Park. Additionally, two specimens of the unknown species were collected from Andrigitra Forest a year later in 1993.

The species was later described from these specimens as belonging to a new genus and species, Cryptosylvicola randrianasoloi. The generic name Cryptosylvicola was formed from Greek Kryptos, meaning hidden, Latin silva, meaning forest and Latin cola, meaning inhabitant. The name therefore translates to "hidden forest inhabitant". The specific epithet randrianasoloi honors the Malagasy ornithologist... Wikipedia →