A new bush-warbler (Sylviidae, Bradypterus) from Taiwan

A bush-warbler of the genus Bradypterus, known from the mountains of Taiwan since 1917, has never been formally named as a distinct taxon. Songs of th e Taiwan population differ strikingly from those of its Asian congeners in being much clearer, sweeter, more piercing, and in having a very different structure of elements. Several subtle but consistent morphological differen ces exist between specimens from Taiwan and all named taxa, principally in bill size and shape, plumage color and reduced variability, pattern of unde rtail coverts, and wing formula. Therefore, the Taiwan population is best t reated as a new species.