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        Discussion Area 討論區 >> Birding Reports & Tips 觀鳥報告及心得 >>  Lanceolated Warbler at Kadoorie Farm 嘉道理農場有矛斑蝗鶯
        
(Message started by: M Kilburn on Oct 8^th, 2004, 9:23am)

Title: Lanceolated Warbler at Kadoorie Farm 嘉道理農場有矛斑蝗鶯
Post by M Kilburn on Oct 8^th, 2004, 9:23am

On Thurs 7th Oct a Lanceolated Warbler was seen briefly at Kadoorie Farm at 5:20 pm.

This is an unusual record for an upland , mostly woodland location, but during migration season these warblers can turn up in some strange locations.

Why was it Lanceolated?

It has to be separated from the similar Pallas' Grasshopper Warbler:

Size:
Lanceolated is generally smaller and has a finer bill.

Plumage tone:
A good feature - Lanceolated is a uniform olive green with dark streaks on the upperparts, Pallas' Grahopper Warbler is browner and often shows a distinctly rufous rump, and contrasting dark tail.

The underparts of Lanceolated are usualy white with fine dark streaks, with yellow tinges on the undertail and lower belly. Pallas' Grasshopper Warbler is often darker, with broader streaks and brownish tinges.

Anoher good feature is that Pallas' Grahopper Warbler has white spots on the tips of the tail feathers (Lanceolated does not).  This feature is the best-known to european birders, who shorten the rather long name to "PG tips".

(PG Tips is also a famous brand of tea in the UK!)

Cheers
Mike