Eastern Crowned Warbler

Not the best photos but here is an Eastern Crowned Warbler, one of the several phylloscopus warblers that can be seen in China.  The first thing that struck me about this bird from underneath, before I saw the crown stripe, was the size and colour of the bill – very large and orangey compared with the superficially similar Arctic Warbler.  The lower mandible is completely pale without any dark tip.  The bird also showed a subtle pale yellow vent that wasn’t obvious, especially in the dappled light as it foraged among the leaves.

Eastern Crowned Warbler, Rudong, China, 13 September 2010
Of course, when one sees this bird from above, the obvious central crown stripe gives away its identity.  The photo below also shows the contrast between the greenish mantle and the greyish hindneck.  A cracking bird….
Eastern Crowned Warbler, Rudong, China, 13 September 2010

2 thoughts on “Eastern Crowned Warbler”

  1. Hi Terry,
    Can’t be bad living in China, I will follow you blog with interest.
    Glad to hear you saw Spoon-billed sandpiper, who knows how long that opportunity will remain.
    I don’t have a blog these days but you can always check my pbase to get an idea what I’m up to.

    Cheers
    Will

  2. Hi Will, great to hear from you!

    Some fantastic images on your site – I am hoping to visit Thailand this winter, so may get in touch for advice..

    Hope to see you soon, T

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