Sakhalin Leaf Warbler

Phylloscopus borealoides

Family: Leaf Warblers · Status: Rare migrant · Size: 11.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds across the Japanese Archipelago, Sakhalin and Kuril Islands, wintering to continental Southeast Asia.

Identification

Resembles Arctic Warbler but has a dark greyish crown contrasting with olive-greenish mantle, warmish olive-brown rump, two buffish wing bars, and pale greyish-pink legs and feet. Prominence of wing bars and dullness of upperparts both variable. Short stout bill. Visually indistinguishable from Pale-legged Leaf Warbler; separable in the field only by call (lower frequency in Sakhalin Leaf Warbler; ~5 kHz vs ~6 kHz) or song, though the latter is unlikely to be heard in Singapore.

Habitat

Forest and forest edge; on migration also parks and gardens.

Behaviour

Forages for insects from the forest floor to the canopy, also in low shrubs and vines.