Black-eared Ground-Thrush

Very similar to Yunnan, David’s, and other “gray-cheeked” fulvettas, but with a more pronounced pale eye-ring and black brow stripe, as well as warmer sepia tones on the wings and a white chin. Inhabits foothill to highland forests and edges, where it roves around in flocks, foraging in the middle and lower levels. Call notes are composed of buzzy chatters. Song is a short series of rather harsh notes, similar to that of the other “gray-cheeked” fulvettas, but averaging slower.

An inconspicuous little bird (plumage blends well with bark) of woods, forests, and gardens with larger trees. Usually seen as singles or pairs, creeping along trunks and branches using its tail for support, like a mini-woodpecker. Probes in crevices for insects and spiders, and often spirals up then drops to low on the next tree and spirals up again. In areas where Short-toed Treecreeper also occurs, the two species are often not safely distinguished without considerable experience; look for “uneven steps” on the wing, whiter sides, and slightly shorter bill. Listen for high, thin “tseee”s and trills. Song is a lovely series of falling whistles, typically preceded by short trills and concluded with a flourishing rising whistle.

Dull brownish leaf warbler. Brown above with brownish-yellow underparts. Extremely similar in appearance to Radde’s Warbler, but Yellow-streaked has a more contrastingly pale brow stripe, finer bill, and fine yellow streaks on the breast. The breast streaks themselves are often not visible, instead appearing as a faint yellow wash from a distance. Dusky Warbler is somewhat similar but is much browner overall with a darker brow stripe and less contrast between upper- and underparts. Breeds in subalpine shrubbery and descends into foothills to winter in similar habitat. Song is a series of cascading tinkling, buzzy notes. Gives metallic “tinks”.