Japanese Leaf Warbler — Close Encounter!!
The Phylloscopus complex that can be found on Ishigaki Island consists of Arctic Warbler, Kamchatka Leaf Warbler and Japanese Leaf Warbler, but the great majority are Arctic Warbler.
I do get to see Japanese Leaf Warbler occasionally, and this time I was lucky enough to get close and photograph one — a rare treat!! I was also able to hear it call, and managed to get more than 10 shots. There are differences in body colour too.
For what it is worth, Kamchatka Leaf Warbler is so scarce that finding even one individual per season is uncertain. I would like to get it on video and in photos someday.
A very close encounter with a Kamchatka Leaf Warbler. An unusually unwary individual.
P10, another useful identification clue, can also be confirmed here.
Since the warblers observable on Ishigaki Island can safely be assumed to be either Japanese Leaf Warbler or Kamchatka Leaf Warbler, it seems we may be able to make a reasonable guess from colouration in addition to call. I'd like to put that to the test going forward.
The all-important P10 of a Kamchatka Leaf Warbler is visible!!
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