Lanceolated Warbler at Fedje

Fedje, a small island on the west coast of Norway, 15 October 2003: Lanceolated Warbler found in the field and later trapped and ringed. The seventh Norwegian record, and the first for Hordaland county.

Above a field-shot of the Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata at Fedje. The bird preferred to run in the grass, rather than use its wings when flushed. Note the thin contrasty border on the tertials. A good feature to use when separating difficult individuals from Grasshopper Warblers Locustella naevia.

Identification

This specific individual did not show very pronounced streaking on the chest, being rather similar to a Grasshopper Warbler. Note also the sharp contrast between the narrow pale borders and the black centred tertials. A field mark to separate it from Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia - which has more diffuse borders.

The habitat where the Lanceolated Warbler stayed - a wet and grassy patch. Fenced in to keep sheep away (a hazard to them).

Happy boys ringing the first Lanceolated Warbler for Hordaland.

The primary projection in Lanceolated Warblers is shorter than in Grasshopper Warbler.