Sichuan Leaf Warbler
Phylloscopus forresti
Like most leaf warblers, it is a small, active bird and excruciatingly difficult to identify; likely to be seen fleetingly in the upper layers of the forest. Very similar in appearance to other “Pallas’s-type” leaf warblers in its range. Bleached-white crown stripe and predominantly white brow stripes distinguish this species from the much yellower Pallas’s Leaf Warbler. Sichuan lacks the white tail edges (visible in flight) of Buff-barred and Ashy-throated warblers. Appears nearly identical to Lemon-rumped Warbler but has a brighter yellow rump and averages darker olive-green above. Breeds in mid- to high-elevation coniferous and mixed forests, but descends into foothills in the winter. Song has two types, both of which are difficult to distinguish from those of Lemon-rumped Warbler, but they tend to be slower in their delivery. Calls are crisp notes, slower-sounding and longer than those of Lemon-rumped Warbler.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Phylloscopus forresti
- Authority
- Rothschild, 1921
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Phylloscopidae
- Genus
- Phylloscopus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Tawny-crowned Greenlet
Tunchiornis ochraceiceps
Small, often rather active little bird of shady forest understory in humid tropical lowlands; often in areas with understory palms. Usually in pairs at middle levels moving with mixed-species flocks that often include Golden-crowned Warbler and Red-crowned Ant-Tanager. Rather drab brownish overall with tawny bushy crest, paler gray face and throat, and piercing pale eye (can be hard to see in the shade). Often gives a twangy, nasal “dwoi-dwoi-dwoi” call and a high, insectlike, whining whistle.
Cherry-throated Tanager
Nemosia rourei
Striking, fairly small tanager with a black-and-gray back and white underparts contrasting with a bright red throat. Note the yellow eyes. Inhabits the canopy of humid forest, where it forages in bromeliads and usually accompanies mixed-species flocks. Has a sharp nasal call: “péuuu, péuuu-see’ee.” Extremely rare, known from only a few forest patches.
Western Bonelli's Warbler
Phylloscopus bonelli
Small, sleek warbler; white belly contrasts with olive and green upperparts. Very difficult to separate from Eastern Bonelli’s of Eastern Europe. Best character is the call, a two-parted whistle "hu-eef" instead of the sharp “tzip” of Eastern Bonelli’s. Song, a short trilled phrase, is also quite similar to Eastern Bonelli’s. Compare with other leaf warblers; note present species’ plain face, olive-green wing panel (but no bright wing bars), and bright white underparts. Breeds in deciduous forests with oaks and beech, as well as in mixed forest with pines. Non-breeding habitat includes open scrub and open woodlands.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.