Long-tailed Bush Warbler

Overview

The long-tailed bush warbler, also known as the Long-tailed grasshopper-warbler, is a species of grass warbler found exclusively in the Philippines. It is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, though it is currently declining due to habitat loss.

Identification

• Subspecies in Mindanao have a longer tail, while the L. c. unicolor subspecies on Luzon has a shorter tail.
• The L. c. malindangensis subspecies features darker sides on the face and a whiter throat.
• The L. c. unicolor subspecies has dark upperparts and a rufous belly.
• Birds in Luzon and Mindanao have vastly different calls, with potential for future taxonomic splitting.

Habitat

This species occupies montane mossy forest above 700 meters above sea level. Its range is restricted to the islands of Mindanao and Luzon in the Philippines.

Diet

These birds feed on small insects and forage alone or singly. The breeding season is unknown, but young birds are seen from February to September.

Did you know?

The birds found in Luzon and Mindanao have vastly different calls, creating the potential for these populations to be recognised as distinct species rather than a single entity.