Russet Bush Warbler
Locustella mandelli
This mouse-like bush warbler skulks deeply in thickets and shrubbery, seldom exposing more than one part of its body at once except when singing. Brown overall with few distinguishing features; lighter, warmer brown overall than Brown Bush Warbler, with a whiter throat and belly. Favors fairly open brushy edge habitats with tangles and thickets of dense vegetation; can be found in overgrown cultivation and field edges. Belts out a song starting with a buzzing introductory note, which is followed by a series of paired ticks.
Identification
The russet bush warbler (Locustella mandelli) is a songbird species. Formerly placed in the "Old World warbler" assemblage, it is now placed in the newly recognized family Locustellidae. B. mandelli was until recently considered a subspecies of B. seebohmi, and the name "russet bush warbler" was applied to the entire species complex. After this was split up, Benguet bush warbler was proposed as a new name for B. seebohmi proper. The species is found in southeast Asia. The scientific name commemorates the Italian naturalist Louis Mandelli.
Taxonomy
Genus: Locustella; Family: Locustellidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Locustella mandelli
- Authority
- (Brooks, WE, 1875)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Locustellidae
- Genus
- Locustella
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Behavior
Migration pattern: Vertical migration.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Bird Calls
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