The Sichuan bush warbler lives primarily in the thick brush and on tea plantations in five mountainous provinces of central China. It is a relatively small bird with a weight of 10 grams and an average length of 13 cm. Unlike its congener the russet bush warbler, which is found in the same mountains and also in the Himalayas, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia, the Sichuan bush warbler prefers elevations below 7,500 feet. The two species shared a common ancestor about 850,000 years ago. They are distinguished by plumage and sonogram terminology – their songs. Locustella chengi emits a long buzz, followed by a shorter click, often repeated in series, and the song is in a lower frequency than that of its genetic cousin.
Region
Central China
Typical Environment
Found in dense brush, shrubby hillsides, forest edge thickets, bamboo patches, and tea plantations across several mountainous provinces of central China. It favors tangled ground cover and moist ravines where it can remain concealed. Secondary growth and disturbed scrub are regularly used, and it often forages near the ground. During non-breeding periods it may shift to slightly lower, brushy areas with ample cover.
Altitude Range
300–2300 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Described to science in 2015, the Sichuan bush warbler was split from the russet bush warbler complex and named in honor of Chinese ornithologist Cheng Tso-hsin. It keeps to dense undergrowth and tea plantations where it is more often heard than seen. Its song is distinctive: a long, insect-like buzz followed by a shorter click, typically repeated in series at a lower frequency than its close relative.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over cover
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, holding small territories in dense scrub. Nests are placed low in vegetation or near the ground, where the species remains well hidden. Likely monogamous with both sexes contributing to territorial defense through song and calls.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A characteristic long, insect-like buzz followed by a brief click, repeated in measured series. The overall song is lower in frequency than that of the russet bush warbler and carries well through dense vegetation.
