Lesser/Chinese Shortwing Song ID, Guangxi, China (1 Viewer)

[Barbets48]

This bird was heard in Dec 2021 in Baise, Guangxi, China, elevation of about 200m. I've narrowed it down to what I believe is a shortwing, but listening to a few songs of each species online, I was uncertain whether it is Lesser Shortwing (probably more likely based on the numbers or reports in the area) or Chinese or Himalayan Shortwing. Lesser seems most likely, but I was uncertain of any diagnostic differences in the songs.

The bird was not seen, so just going on song here.

Thanks for any ID tips.

Mike

 

[Grahame Walbridge]

This sounds a really good match for Lesser Shortwing to my ears Mike XC307318 Lesser Shortwing (Brachypteryx leucophris)

Grahame

 

[Barbets48]

This sounds a really good match for Lesser Shortwing to my ears Mike XC307318 Lesser Shortwing (Brachypteryx leucophris)

Grahame

Thanks Grahame. I agree that is a good match for my recording!
I had listened to this recording on eBird of Himalayan Shortwing and thought it was fairly similar: Himalayan Shortwing Macaulay Library ML335924531
I think that Himalayan’s range is mostly west of Guangxi, but I suspect that may not be entirely clear given the recent split and how records would have been reported before as White-browed Shortwing.

Anyway, think I’ll go with the more likely Lesser Shortwing for this ID.

 

[James Eaton]

As Grahme says, Lesser Shortwing, the opening notes are the giveaway. On wintering ground they, and other shortwings, tend to do a few additional, quiet rambling notes that differ from their territorial songs on the breeding grounds.