Baikal Bush Warbler
Locustella davidi
Distinguished from other skulking brown warblers in the region by the scraggly black necklace on the throat, but this feature can be difficult to see when the warbler is rummaging about deep in thick undergrowth. Breeds in extremely thick and bushy areas in marshy coniferous forests and winters in drier but equally scrubby areas. Confusingly insect-like song is a short series of monotone buzzes, somewhat akin to that of a cricket or grasshopper.
Identification
The Baikal bush warbler (Locustella davidi), also known as Baikal grasshopper-warbler or David's bush warbler, is a migratory species of Old World warbler in the family Locustellidae. It breeds from the southern part of the Russian Far East (including the Lake Baikal region) to northeast China (southern Heilongjiang south to southern Hebei) and North Korea. It winters from southern China south to northern Thailand. Its breeding habitat is taiga forests, especially in clearings or at streams.
Taxonomy
Genus: Locustella; Family: Locustellidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Locustella davidi
- Authority
- (La Touche, 1923)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Locustellidae
- Genus
- Locustella
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
Migration pattern: Complete migrants.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Upcher's Warbler
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A medium-sized, gray-brown warbler that looks very similar to other species. Note the rather stout bill and broad dark tail. Smaller and browner than Olive-tree Warbler and larger than Eastern Olivaceous Warbler. Wing panel is not as prominent as that of Olive-tree Warbler. Breeds on scrubby hillsides and river valleys; occasionally in flatter lowlands. During non-breeding season, found in a variety of wooded or brushy habitats. Sings from prominent perches—a repetitive, rapid mix of musical and scratchy phrases. Call is a harsh "chak."
Ruddy Shelduck
Tadorna ferruginea
Striking and distinctive gooselike duck. Plumage bright ruddy overall with contrasting pale creamy head and neck; male has narrow black neck ring. Big white forewing patches striking in flight. Breeds in southeastern Europe and Central Asia, winters in South Asia. Often found around saline lakes; also reservoirs and agricultural fields. Escapees from waterfowl collections occasionally seen free-flying outside of native range.
Helmeted Myna
Basilornis galeatus
A glossy-black starling with a big permanently raised crest that gives it a unique, broad-headed profile. Also note prominent whitish markings on sides of neck and breast, which appear like one large patch. Juvenile shorter-crested, with a brown chin and a bicolored bill. Frequents the canopy of lowland and hill forest in small groups or pairs, preferring pristine areas, but straying into edges and degraded patches too. Complex song involves whirring “weee-ow-weee-ow” mixed with “chur” and “chip” notes. Also gives a single, strident metallic “chip” call.
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