Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler

Helopsaltes certhiola

Family: Grasshopper Warblers, Grassbirds, and Allies · Status: Uncommon migrant · Size: 14–15 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds in Siberia and northern China; winters across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Identification

Rufescent-plumaged grasshopper warbler: buff or white supercilium, buffish mantle with bold black streaks, rusty rump, mostly brown wings with pale fringes, off-white underparts with buffier flanks. Juveniles have obvious black streaks on throat and breast. Lanceolated Warbler lacks the rusty rump, has black streaks on flanks and undertail-coverts, and usually has less obvious and more buffish supercilium. Zitting Cisticola is smaller, structurally different and sits more upright.

Habitat

Tall reeds, grass and other vegetation near freshwater wetlands. Generally favours wetter habitats than Lanceolated Warbler.

Behaviour

Call differs markedly from Lanceolated Warbler: rapidly delivered, well-structured musical warbling phrases.