kkoel

29 September 2012 (Sat)
Fine day on Po Toi today with the Varied Tit still present:

1 Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler (juv)

(Thanks to Brendan for notifying us about its presence!)
1 Orange-headed Thrush
1 Forest Wagtail
1 Yellow-rumped Flycatcher
1 Dark-sided Flycatcher
1 Eastern Crowned Warbler
2 Pale-legged Leaf Warbler (not by me)
1 Little Bunting

kkoel

Hi Mike & Jonathan,

Thanks for your reply - actually Brendan and I have considered Lanceolated Warbler initially. However on further scrutiny, we thought there are several features (shown in photo) that suggest Pallas's juvenile rather than Lancie.

1. The vent is clean: all Lancies should show streaked vent.
2. There is a dark "cap", which should not be present on Lancie but fits Pallas's.
3. The bill is heavy and decurved: for Lancie it should be finer and straighter.
4. The back is blotched: Lancie should show "tramlines" reminiscent of Pipits.

These are my thoughts but I have very limited experience with either species so more expert opinion would be appreciated!

All the best,
Koel