Taken with a Leica APO and Coolpix 990 in the late evening sunshine
Marmora's Warbler, Sizewell, Suffolk, May 29th 2001 © Brian J Small
"The (sub-) specific identity of individuals of this taxon has become important recently, following the proposal (Shirihai et al, 2001) to split it into two: Marmora's Warbler Sylvia [sarda] sarda from Sardinia and Corsica; Balearic Warbler Sylvia [sarda] balearica from the Balearic Islands (though not Menorca).
Though the views given were at times brief, careful and detailed observations of the Sizewell bird showed a number of features (not necessarily visible in this image) and voice in accordance with the nominate form: overall the plumage was a pale soft grey, notably this extended onto the chin and throat and along the flanks; a small white area at the base of the bill - on the malar formed a small white line (reminiscent of Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans); the bill was pale yellow at the base; the call was quite hard, 'trak' and the song a short series of quite sweet notes (similar to but less rapid and 'wheezy' than Dartford to my ears). The state of the wing moult suggests a first-summer male." Brian J Small
Lots more great photos of this bird on the next page
Little Swift Photos now available from Paul. Please email him.
Taken with a Leica APO and Coolpix 990
