Limestone Leaf Warbler
Phylloscopus calciatilis
The Limestone Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus calciatilis) is a legendary leaf warbler found in 3 countries, weighing about 6 g. The limestone leaf warbler is a species of warbler in the family Phylloscopidae.
About the Limestone Leaf Warbler
The limestone leaf warbler is a species of warbler in the family Phylloscopidae. When this species was first seen, beginning in 1994, it was mistaken for the similar sulphur-breasted warbler. It is smaller than the sulphur-breasted warbler, and has more rounded wings. The plumage is almost identical, with comparisons showing only a slightly colder yellow below and a greyer tinge above. Although smaller, the bill is proportionally larger than that of the sulphur-breasted warbler. Accurate measurements are not available; the holotype has a wing length of 5.2 cm (2.0 in); the paratype a tail length of 3.7 cm (1.5 in) and a bill length of 1.39 cm (0.55 in). The species is known to occur in…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The limestone leaf warbler (Phylloscopus calciatilis) is smaller than the sulphur-breasted warbler (Phylloscopus ricketti) and has more rounded wings and a proportionately elongated bill. Although a smaller species, the bill is proportionately larger than that of the sulphur-breasted warbler. The plumage is nearly identical, with only a slightly lighter yellow below a grey tinge. Comparisons between these two species suggest it is doubtful that they can be reliably distinguished by plumage alone. The holotype has a wing length of 5.2 cm; in the paratype a tail length of 3.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, October, November, December, with peak activity in March. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Limestone Leaf Warbler?
- The limestone leaf warbler (Phylloscopus calciatilis) is smaller than the sulphur-breasted warbler (Phylloscopus ricketti) and has more rounded wings and a proportionately elongated bill. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Limestone Leaf Warbler?
- The Limestone Leaf Warbler is a tiny sized bird weighing about 6 g.
- Where can you see a Limestone Leaf Warbler?
- The Limestone Leaf Warbler occurs in 3 countries, including Vietnam, China and Laos.
- What birds look similar to a Limestone Leaf Warbler?
- The Limestone Leaf Warbler is most easily confused with the Emei Leaf Warbler, the Hainan Leaf Warbler and the Laura's Woodland Warbler.
- Is the Limestone Leaf Warbler endangered?
- The Limestone Leaf Warbler is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Limestone Leaf Warbler for real
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