Friendly Bush Warbler
Locustella accentor
Though frequently derided for the reputed inaccuracy of its name, this mouse-like bird can prove quite confiding. It is, however, generally quite difficult to see in dense undergrowth; best detected by its song, a series of three piercing whistles, the last of which is long and grating. If seen, note dark brown plumage, speckled gray throat and chest, and long broad tail. Found on only a handful of forested mountaintops in Borneo’s Crocker Range, where it skulks about in tangled mossy areas with extensive fallen debris.
Identification
The friendly bush warbler (Locustella accentor), also known as the Kinabalu friendly warbler, is a species of Old World warbler in the family Locustellidae. It is endemic to the island of Borneo.
Taxonomy
Genus: Locustella; Family: Locustellidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Locustella accentor
- Authority
- (Sharpe, 1888)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Locustellidae
- Genus
- Locustella
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Yellow-throated Longclaw
Macronyx croceus
A large pipit-like bird with golden-yellow underparts and eyebrow, and a circular broad black necklace emphasizing the yellow throat. The upperparts are subdued streaky brown and the outer tail corners are white, which is a key feature in flight. Pairs occupy grassland and grassy savanna, especially close to water, or when it is flooded. The species often perches up to sing a strongly whistled “chuuu-ew” and variations thereof. The smaller Fülleborn's Longclaw differs from Yellow-throated Longclaw by lacking any streaking on the breast below the black necklace.
Paddyfield Warbler
Acrocephalus agricola
Warm brown above and pale below; strong dark eyestripe contrasts with white eyebrow. Smallish reed warbler with long and strongly rounded tail, short bill with dark tip, and short primary projection. Difficult to separate visually from other small Acrocephalus warblers, especially Blunt-winged Warbler; note Paddyfield’s more prominent pale eyebrow which strengthens behind the eye, as well as longer-winged appearance. Also compare with Iduna warblers. Breeds in extensive reed beds; in nonbreeding season found in marshes, but also more scrubby areas. Distinctive, melodious song.
Iberian Green Woodpecker
Picus sharpei
Fairly large woodpecker with a green back, red crown, and broad whisker stripe (red in males, black in females). Yellowish rump shows mainly in slightly undulating flight. Unmistakable in most of range; note Eurasian Green Woodpecker’s black face patch in thin band of overlap. Inhabits open woodland, heathland, gardens, parks, and farmland with hedges and scattered larger trees. Unlike most woodpeckers, feeds mainly on the ground, including garden lawns, probing into anthills and moving with an odd, shuffling gait. Calls are loud, high-pitched, and somewhat raptor-like. Drums infrequently.
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