Hainan Leaf Warbler

Uncommon, inconspicuous raptor with a fairly small bill. Adult has a pale head and reddish underparts with black streaks on neck. Juvenile has a more reddish head with less streaking. In flight, tail has obvious square corners with a dark band at the base. Sails over forest woodland habitats just above the tree canopy, typically with little wing movement. Occurs singly or in pairs. At a distance, and particularly when heavily worn, take care to identify juvenile birds from Black Kite, which has more uniformly patterned plumage.

A small, sharp-billed warbler-like bird that is saturated with yellow. Note the yellow underparts, olive-yellow back, and bold white spectacles around the eyes. Found in forest, scrub, gardens, moist woodland, and plantations, usually in hyperactive flocks that can contain many individuals. Often joins mixed flocks with other small birds. Most common call is a high-pitched rising rattle. Song is a quiet, chatty sequence of “chew” notes. Similar to Northern Yellow White-eye, but slightly darker and greener, and usually separated by range and habitat. Also similar to Pale White-eye, but usually separated by range; shows more yellow above the bill, is more richly-colored overall, and prefers moister habitats.

Small and stub-tailed, appearing mostly dark. Shows vivid electric-blue speckling on chest, back, and head, brilliant blue in direct light. Shocking pure white rump and upper tail are diagnostic and obvious. Reliant on primary forest. Voice includes a drawn-out mournful whistle, similar to a squeaky bike wheel.