Birdsong field guide
Kamchatka Leaf Warbler
Phylloscopus examinandus
A robust, large-billed leaf warbler of the North Pacific, recently split from the Arctic Warbler complex based on vocal and genetic distinctness.
What it sounds like
A loud, rasping, and buzzy 'dz-z-z-z-z' trill, slower and harsher in quality than the song of the Arctic Warbler.
Field notes
- It was historically considered a subspecies of the Arctic Warbler before being elevated to a full species in 2011.
- The species possesses a noticeably heavier and longer bill compared to its close relative, the Japanese Leaf Warbler.
- It performs an extensive migration from Northeast Asia to wintering grounds as far south as the Indonesian archipelago.
- Adults typically show a single prominent yellowish-white wing bar, though a second faint bar is occasionally present.
- Molecular studies indicate it is more closely related to the Japanese Leaf Warbler than to the Arctic Warbler.
Habitat
Deciduous and mixed forests, particularly birch and alder thickets near river valleys or subalpine zones.
Range
Breeds in Kamchatka, Sakhalin, and the Kuril Islands; winters in Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
Similar & commonly confused birds
Alström's WarblerPhylloscopus sororArctic WarblerPhylloscopus borealisAshy-throated WarblerPhylloscopus maculipennisBiak Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus misoriensisBianchi's WarblerPhylloscopus valentiniBlack-capped Woodland-WarblerPhylloscopus herbertiBlyth's Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus reguloidesBrooks's Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus subviridis
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