The Sichuan bush warbler has been rediscovered in China, a bird species largely unknown to biologists. This highly secretive bird was found, in part, due to its unique call that distinguishes it from other local species.
This rare species prefers dense forests full of scrubby vegetation, making it difficult for biologists to study the animals, which have not been seen in decades. Members of the species have been found in five provinces in China, although the unique call has not been matched to a physical bird until now.
"The Sichuan bush warbler is exceedingly secretive and difficult to spot as its preferred habitat is dense brush and tea plantations. However, it distinguishes itself thanks to its distinctive song that consists of a low-pitched drawn-out buzz, followed by a shorter click, repeated in series," said Pamela Rasmussen, assistant curator at the Michigan State University Museum.
Genetic analysis of the birds revealed they are closely related to the russet bush warbler, which makes its home in the same regions as the newly recognized species. Biologists believe the two species last shared a common ancestor about 850,000 years before our own time. This finding was made through the study of mitochondrial DNA in the animals. The species was first recognized by an international team of scientists, including researchers from the United States, China, Sweden, Vietnam and the United Kingdom.
Locustella chengi was named in honor of ornithologist Cheng Tso-hsin, the founder of the Peking Natural History Museum, who passed away in 1989. Born in 1906, Cheng grew up loving nature, particularly the birds that lived in the forest near his home. He later went on to graduate from the Fujian Christian University in 1926 and earned his doctorate from the University of Michigan in 1930. Cheng became a prolific author, sharing his insights into biology with the outside world.
"We wanted to honor Professor 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," Rasmussen said.
Although the bird species is rarely seen, researchers believe the creatures are fairly common in their habitat and are in no immediate danger of extinction. These elusive birds prefer to live at elevations around 7,500 feet above sea level, although when they are close to russets, they tend to seek out lower ground.
The song of the Sichuan bush warbler may be heard on the Michigan State University Web site.
Discovery of the new bird species was detailed in the journal Avian Research.
