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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Brant

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