Cryptic warbler

Taxonomy and systematics

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 Georges randrianasolo.

The cryptic warbler was initially placed in the family Sylviidae based on its resemblance to other members of the family. However, it was later discovered through genetic study that it belongs to the Bernieridae, an endemic family of birds to Madagascar. Within the family, it forms an outgroup to a clade containing the long-billed berneria and white-throated oxylabes.