Sichuan Bush Warbler
Locustella chengi
四川短翅蝗莺
Introduction
A small passerine bird in the Locustella genus, endemic to central China. Inhabits thick brush and tea plantations across five mountainous provinces. Distinguished from its close relative the russet bush warbler by its preference for elevations below 7,500 feet and distinct vocalizations. The two species share a common ancestor dating to approximately 850,000 years ago.
Description
A diminutive warbler with a body length averaging 13 centimeters and weighing approximately 10 grams. The plumage distinguishes it from its congener the russet bush warbler, though specific plumage characteristics are not detailed in the source material.
Identification
Distinguished from the russet bush warbler by plumage differences and song characteristics. The song consists of a long buzz followed by a shorter click, often repeated in series, and is delivered at a lower frequency than that of its genetic cousin.
Distribution & Habitat
Restricted to five mountainous provinces in central China. Occupies thick brush and tea plantation habitats at elevations below 7,500 feet. This range is more limited than the russet bush warbler, which also occurs in the Himalayas, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
Behavior & Ecology
Vocalizations consist of a distinctive song pattern: a prolonged buzz succeeded by a shorter click, typically repeated in sequence. The song is characterized by lower frequency tones compared to the russet bush warbler.
Culture
The scientific name Locustella chengi honors Cheng Tso-hsin (Zheng Zuoxin, 1906–1998), founder of the Peking Natural History Museum and a distinguished Chinese ornithologist.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Locustellidae
- Genus
- Locustella
- eBird Code
- sicbuw1
Distribution
breeds in southern China (Shaanxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, Hubei, northwestern Hunan, and northwestern Jiangxi); nonbreeding range unknown
Data Sources
CBR Notes: 中文名由四川短翅莺改为四川短翅蝗莺
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.