Anyone
attempting to identify this species in the field will require
good views and will need to pay attention to the wing structure.
The most important characteristic in identifiaction is the
rounded
wing, combined with a minute outermost primary.
Other differences that have been listed between Large-billed
Reed Warbler and other similar Acrocephalus warblers
is the longer hindclaw, long large bill with entirely pale
(fleshy pink) lower mandible and blackish upper mandible,
short blackish line behind and before the eye not extending
onto the lores and short whitish supercilium ending at the
back of the eye.
Sadly,
this species is unlikely to appear on any more birdwatchers'
Thai lists in the near future, and anyone preparing to travel
to Laem Pak Bia with the specific purpose of seeing this species
should be ready to be disappointed, although it does highlight
the fact that birdwatching in the region can be very rewarding
and almost anything can turn up.
Although
Large-billed Reed Warbler has made it to number nine on this
list, it should probably be relegated to the list of bird
species most wanted on a Thai list but with virtually no chance
of seeing, along with White-eyed River Martin, Storm's Stork
and Malayan Peacock Pheasant. |
|
Large-billed
Reed Warbler
(Photo by Philip D. Round) |
