Grassland Sparrow

Small, shy, and poorly understood, this reed warbler breeds in the remote marshlands of northeastern China and Russia and winters in drier, grassier habitats in Southeast Asia. Warm brown overall with a clean-cut whitish brow and throat; brow extends well behind the eye, unlike in Blunt-winged Warbler. Very similar to extralimital Paddyfield Warbler, but Paddyfield shows dark-tipped lower mandible, duller brown tones overall, and a dirtier brow stripe with a distinctive pinch just before the eye, after which it fades out; Manchurian’s brow broadens behind the eye instead. Oriental Reed Warbler much larger, with a weaker head pattern. Rambling jumbled song consists of high-pitched warbling notes and sharp clicks and rattles; more pleasant-sounding than that of Oriental Reed Warbler.

Chunky, mid-sized robin-like bird. Males are gray and orange, while females are brownish. There is regional variation: western birds are paler, and eastern rainforest birds more richly colored. Madagascar endemic that is found at middle and high elevations in the eastern rainforest, and very locally in dry, rocky habitats in the west. Perches for long periods, in the east in the forest mid-story, and in the west on rocks. Variable whistled song is easy to imitate. Darker than Littoral Rock-Thrush, with little or no overlap in range. Female similar to female Madagascar Magpie-Robin, but smaller and without white patch in the wing.

With his iridescent pale blue crest, bright orange facial skin patch, and luminous blue spots along his wings and broad fan-shaped tail, the eccentric-looking male is unmistakable if seen well. Female is less eye-catching: warm brown all over with smaller, darker spots. Inhabits primary lowland and hill forest, favoring areas with ridges. Typically quiet; occasionally gives loud, harsh calls.