I would say Manchurian - chestnut forecrown, heavy bill, and a shorter tail than Brown-flanked.
It's a rather plain-looking individual though. Author: gary Time: 12/02/2011 00:32
I thought it is easy to separate Manchurian Bush Warbler and Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler because I though I would hear it before seeing it. But until recently I found the female MBW looks rather similar to BFBW, even in a clear photo like this.
I think these 2 sp. share some features such as contrast between crown and mantle, making it difficult to ID.
Generally MBW has thicker bill than BFBW, but I think this one is not thick enough to rule out BFBW. Actually I think the bill of MBW is rather round and "tube" like.
In addition, some suggest MBW has longer eyebrow and more solid eye strip. On this point, I go for BFBW for this one.
So, I would say it's a Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, but I am not very sure.
Gary Author: ctakming Time: 13/02/2011 00:00
Sorry to get off the point a bit. Is Manchurian Bush Warbler the same as Japanese Bush Warbler? If not, how could I distinguish them in the field? Thanks a lot. Author: gary Time: 13/02/2011 10:17
According to the updated taxonomy adopted in the latest HK bird list. The Japanese/ Manchurian Bush Warbler commonly found in Hong Kong is identified as Manchurian Bush Warbler Cettia canturians, while Japanese Bush Warbler Cettia diphone is still a valid species but not found in Hong Kong, at least up to this moment.
Gary Author: ctakming Time: 14/02/2011 21:08
Thanks for the information.
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