Submission No 240: Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis; Broome, WA, 23-25 January 1998. Submitted by: Chris Hassell.

Verdict: Accepted

This record involves a Phylloscopus warbler seen and subsequently caught in a mist net in the grounds of the Broome bird observatory (170 59'S 1200 22' E) on 23 January 1998. The bird was also seen the following two days in the same area feeding on caterpillars. The last sighting was at 13.00hrs on 25 January 1998.

A well documented submission that included extensive detail of the bird including; wing formula, measurements and a written account of the circumstances behind the sighting along with a series of excellent photographs. Although age, sex and subspecies could not be ascertained there was no doubt at all as to the birds identity. All members agreed that the wing-formula, measurements and description are diagnostic for the species claimed and voted unanimously in favour of acceptance.

This record representing the 3rd to be confirmed by BARC for Australia.

References and Bibliography

• · Bradshaw, C. & R. Riddington. 1997. How certain are the separation features of Arctic and Greenish Warblers? British Birds 90: 180-184.
• · Coates, B.J. & Bishop, K.D. 1997. A Guide to the Birds of Wallacea. Dove Publications.
• · Cramp, S. (ed.) 1992. Handbook of the Birds of Europ, the Middle East, and North Africa. Vol. 6. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
• · King, B. et al. 1975. A Field Guide to the Birds of South East Asia. Collins, London.
• · Lewington, et al. 1991 A Field Guide to the Rare Birds of Britain and Europe. Collins, London.
• · Watmough, N. 1996. Arctic or Greenish? Birdwatch August 1996: 24-30.

Tony Palliser
Chairman Birds Australia Rarities Committee (BARC)