- Phylloscopus borealis
Identification
11cm. Olive-green above, greyish-white below. A single noticeable wing bar, and another less distinct, in fresh plumage (though sometimes one or both can be lost when feathers become worn). Long white supercillium and a broad dark eyestripe.
Thick wedge-shaped bill, with a dark tip to the lower mandible.
Flat forehead and slight peak to the hindcrown.
Legs pinkish-brown.
Similar Species
Larger than both Willow and Greenish Warblers.
Distribution
Breeds in northern Asia, Scandinavia and Siberia. Also breeds in Alaska.
Rare but increasing sightings on Fair Isle and the east coast of the UK in the autumn.
Winters South-east Asia, Thailand, Burma and Indonesia.
Taxonomy
It has 3 subspecies;
- P. b. borealis
- P. b. xanthodryas
- P. b. kennikotti
Habitat
Mixed birch and coniferous woods, also in lush undergrowth near water.
Behaviour
Very active bird, constantly flitting around in the tree canopy.
Flight
Dashing flight. Flicks wings and tail when at rest.
Breeding
The nest is on the ground in a low shrub.
Diet
The diet includes small arthropods, picked off vegetation or in flight.
Vocalisation
<flashmp3>Phylloscopus borealis (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
References
- Wikipedia
- BTO Bird Facts
- Collins Field Guide 5th Edition
- Collins Bird Guide ISBN 0 00 219728 6
