Arctic Warbler: First Confirmed Record for Mainland Australia

Abstract

On 23 January 1998, an Arctic warbler Phylloscopus borealis was seen and subsequently caught in a mist-net in the grounds of the Broome Bird Observatory, Western Australia. The bird was subsequently seen feeding on caterpillars in the same area until 25 January 1998. A description of the bird is given from observations in the field and from in the hand. Identification of Arctic Warblers and similar species is discussed. Although this is a first record for mainland Australia, there are previous records and specimens from islands off north-western Australia.