BirdExplorers

We are calling this the nominate subspecies of Blyth's Leaf-Warbler, Phylloscopus reguloides reguloides.  However with the proliferation of Sichuan Phylloscopus species, including Emei Leaf-Warbler, Sichuan Leaf-Warbler and Chinese Leaf-Warbler, we are not positive.

Location: Wawushan, Sichuan, China
Habitat: bushy deciduous forest on mid-slopes
Altitude: 1930 m
Date: 2 June
Voice: not singing but foraging and feeding on small green caterpillar. Also flicking wings one side at a time.


Untitled by BirdExplorers, on Flickr


Untitled by BirdExplorers, on Flickr


Untitled by BirdExplorers, on Flickr


Untitled by BirdExplorers, on Flickr

Appreciate any comments or confirmation on identification.  

Thanks
Kevin
Co-Director
Bird Explorers
Sydney-Bangkok
Phone: +66 2 513 0475
Fax: +66 2 513 0477

Bird Explorers Website: http://www.birdexplorers.com
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/bird.explorers
Twitter: http://twitter.com/birdexplorers
Africa Bird Image Database (AFBID): http://www.birdexplorers.com/afbid
Email: hephaestion@surfbirder.com

[ Last edited by BirdExplorers at 25/06/2011 13:06 ]

BirdExplorers

Thanks for the tip. We are following Clement's so we still consider Phylloscopus reguloides claudiae to be a subspecies of Blythe's, but that would still mean we assigned the wrong subspecies. Is there any particular reason/s you would favour Phylloscopus reguloides claudiae over Phylloscopus reguloides reguloides?  We have never photographed or recorded claudiae, so we have no familiarity with it. Is there any good data about elevation or geographic constraints of these subspecies in general in Sichuan/Yunnan or in the Wawushan area?  I know the realm of phylloscopus subspecies is a bit esoteric, but it is still quite fascinating.

Thanks, Kevin

BirdExplorers

Dear Jonathan

Thanks for your help.  That link is fantastic and seems to match our bird in all aspects.  I have a thread up on Bird Forum, and the consensus is also claudiae.

Kevin