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.