Researchers have classified a new elusive bird species that was difficult to discover due to its habit of hiding among the grassy regions of central China's mountains. The bird's song is unique.
The discovery of the Sichuan Bush Warbler was reported in the journal Avian Research on Friday. The new bird species, Locustella chengi, was named after the late Chinese bird scientist Cheng Tso-hsin.
The Sichuan Bush Warbler actually resembles other bird species that live in the same regions. However, the way it interacts with other birds is different, according to MSU Today.
The bird's song starts with a long, low-pitched buzz. A shorter click follows that sound, and then it repeats the series.
There is some irony in the bird species' discovery. While it is difficult to spot, it is actually fairly common in the region.
Small differences exist between the specimens of Sichuan Bush Warblers the researchers have studied. They are related to how dark grey areas on the bird's breast and sides are.
The Sichuan Bush Warblers and Russet Bush Warblers seemed to be used to being neighbors. Researchers observed one male of each species living in territories that were "partly overlapping."
In fact, two times the male Russet species was observed singing in the territory of the Sichuan species. However, once the Sichuan male chased the Russet male away, according to The Washington Post.
The study's researchers explained that the Russet Bush Warbler has a "long history" of confusion in its classification. So discovering the new Sichuan Bush Warbler species was not very surprising.