Warbler, Italian Mediterranean coast (near Sanova), August 7 2022 (1 Viewer)

[Frank-birding]

On August 7 2022 I saw this Warbler at the Italian Mediterranean coast, in Borgio Verezzi (between Sanova and Sanremo). A bit up in the hills (altitude 220 meters and 750 meter from the actual coast). It was in the scorching afternoon heat (>35 degrees centigrade) at 12:45.

The bird was hopping through the low vegetation catching an insect. We saw it while sat on the ground eating our picnic. I came very close, albeit keeping some cover between itself and us, eventually eating its grasshopper at 3 meters away. The terrain was a grassy hill with scrubs, with trees in the vicinity. The bird remained low above the ground in branches.


It could very well be an Icterine Warbler I think, but since it was greyish, with brown wings and tail and somewhat heavy-billed I'm not sure. Could anybody help me with this ID?


Regards, Frank

 

[KenM]

With such strong legs and bill and with pp “looking about” as long as tertials, I’m thinking it’s an Iduna warbler, perhaps an Upcher’s, believing that the yellow cast is strong light reflection from the foliage?

Cheers

 

[dwatsonbirder]

With such strong legs and bill and with pp “looking about” as long as tertials, I’m thinking it’s an Iduna warbler, perhaps an Upcher’s, believing that the yellow cast is strong light reflection from the foliage?

Cheers

That would be well out of range? Long PP, bluish legs, white pannel in the primaries, yellow cast to underparts - Icterine warbler.

 

[Frank-birding]

With such strong legs and bill and with pp “looking about” as long as tertials, I’m thinking it’s an Iduna warbler, perhaps an Upcher’s, believing that the yellow cast is strong light reflection from the foliage?

Cheers

Hi Ken, yes I think the yellow cast is indeed the light being reflected and filtered from the green foliage. When originally looking at the bird its overriding impression was very greyish.

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Don't forget that Icterine can be very washed out, with very little yellow on the unders.

 

[cajanuma]

Yes, this does look like an Icterine. Aug 7 is a little on the early side for an autumn migrant but certainly a plausible date

 

[Frank-birding]

Thank you Ken, Daniel and Cajanuma for helping me with the identification and explanation!
Bye, Frank