The Barred Warbler breeds in dense thorn bushes, preferably in hawthorn, blackthorn and other thorny bushes in open and semi-open country. The nest is placed well hidden in the scrub and is fairly hard to find. The female usually lays 4–5 eggs, which are incubated for about two weeks. In some cases the species nests near the Red-backed Shrike, and the two species' choice of the same scrubland has attracted attention.