Zihor Junction - 2nd May 2003.

This difficult warbler is probably responsible for more false alarms than actual 'solid' observations. In the Southern Arava the species is so rare that Shirihai (1996) listed each individual spring record in 'The Birds of Israel', rather than simply calling it a scarce passage migrant. Variation within the different forms of Olivaceous Warbler (Hippolais pallida) can produce some bewildering examples of birds that really can resemble an Upcher's Warbler, especially if it's a bird with exaggerated tail movements. However, if seen well,  a 'good' Upcher's Warbler is distinguishable in the field from both Olivaceous Warbler and the much larger Olive-tree Warbler (Hippolais olivetorum). Careful attention to the exact tail movements, general proportions, and size comparisons where appropriate, can all be used to aid a successful identification.

On 2nd May I found a migrant Upcher's Warbler when searching for larks, just east of Zihor junction. The bird was feeding amongst low plants in the open desert including the favoured 'Ochra' bushes. At a distance my attention was drawn to the rather lazy swinging tail movements similar to a Masked Shrike, including some sideways and even upwards movements which I've never seen in Olivaceous Warbler. Once I was convinced that the behaviour was good for Upcher's, I moved in to take some plumage details noticing especially how thick and full the tail appeared, with notable white outers and tips to the tail feathers. The tail was often fanned in a Blackstart like manner, again not a feature of Olivaceous Warbler. All of the features including bill, wings, tail and legs looked proportionately longer than that species.

Especially notable were the neat pale fringes to the longest tertial and the secondries forming a distinct, crisp wing panel contrasting with the grey upperparts. Careful examination of the photos will reveal the long central tertial feather, an important feature in the identification of Upcher's Warbler. Other good features include the long, stout bill and the rather bare looking lores. Only when seen directly against an Olivaceous Warbler did the differences in size, tail and overall proportions become truly apparent.

This record tied in nicely with minor 'rush' of at least four Upcher's Warblers ringed at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory in during first few days of the month. A rare bird indeed and certainly deserving of a spot in our 'Guest of Honor' series.

Good birding,

James P. Smith & The Birdingisrael Team