Scarlet-naped Myzomela

Rather large headed and overall greenish flycatcher of humid tropical and subtropical forest; infrequently encountered. Inconspicuous, usually perching rather upright and quietly at mid-levels in the forest interior, rarely at edges; does not flick its wings or tail. Plumage relatively distinctive, with a contrasting, complete whitish eyering set in a pale grayish face. Lacks any distinct pale wingbars. Call is a high, shrill, insect-like note that does not draw attention.

Small, distinctive, brightly colored wattle-eye. Both sexes show green or blue eye wattles and a greenish-gray back. The pattern on the underparts varies geographically: in males, either yellow or chestnut; and in females, either yellow with a diffuse chestnut throat or yellow with a well-defined diamond of chestnut on the throat. Found in thick parts of the understory of humid forest. Generally uncommon and shy. The vocalizations include high whistles, rising “wheet” notes, and lower rasping notes, often given in sequence.

A nondescript songbird that skulks in taiga undergrowth, where very difficult to see well. Breeds on Hokkaido, Sakhalin Island, and the Kuril Islands. Very similar to Gray’s Grasshopper-Warbler, which breeds on mainland of far northeastern Asia and has a different song. Migrants very difficult to distinguish from Gray’s, but Sakhalin averages warmer-toned and browner, with perhaps a slightly paler throat. Sings from deep cover, day and night, a hurried, loud, choppy song.