I've just got back from China (working unfortunately not birding) so missed the controversy. However I agree with Mike T that feather damage points strongly to this bird being an escape. No small passerines should be undergoing primary moult at this time of year and a moulting passerine would not be migrating. Also, if it is the Vietnam/Hainan race of Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike (which seems quite likely) I doubt that it should be a (late) migrant; more likely a resident. So, an interesting bird but, even if identity is proven I suspect that it is heading to Cat E.
Mike Leven
