Researchers Discover 'Unique Whistling' Bird Species In China

A team of ornithologists has discovered a new species of warbler from China that whistles uniquely. The new species has been named Locustella chengi.

"We are pleased to name Locustella chengi after the late Professor Cheng Tso-hsin (1906-1998) in recognition of his unparalleled contributions to Chinese ornithology, of which his monumental work A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China is the most widely known outside of China," researchers wrote in the report.

"We recommend the use of the English name Sichuan bush warbler."

"We wanted to honor Prof Cheng Tso-hsin for his unparalleled contributions to Chinese ornithology. Many species are named for European explorers and monarchs but few bear the names of Asian scientists," co-author of the study Dr Pamela Rasmussen of Michigan State University and the Natural History Museum at Tring, UK explained.

The bird has an average length of 13 cm and weighs 10 g. The wing length is 5.5 cm and tail measures 5.7 cm.

"Upperparts from forehead to uppertail-coverts uniformly warm grey-brown. Folded wings and tail same color as upperparts," the team noted in the paper.

"Throat whitish centrally, pale brownish-grey on the side with a faint yellowish tinge. Center of breast pale brownish-grey with a faint yellowish tinge, side of breast slightly darker and browner. Barely visible darker spots at junction of throat and breast."

"Belly whitish with a pale dingy yellowish tinge, appears whitish from a distance. Undertail-coverts cold grey-brown with grayish-white tips on average 3.6 mm wide, basal ones narrower, more diffuse and more buffy-tinged."

Researchers noted that they hear the song activity from late April to mid-June, suggesting that the breeding season begins mainly in May.

The paper was published in the journal Avian Research.