Description

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Context:

The Long-billed Bush Warbler (Locustella major) was sighted on July 15 in dense willow thickets at over 3,200 metres altitude.

About Long-Billed Bush Warbler:

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Locustella major
Size	Approximately 15–17 cm in length
Distribution	China, India, Pakistan, and Tajikistan (limited to mountains of Central Asia)
Habitat	Grassy slopes with bushes and weeds, upland terraced cultivation, edges of alpine meadows and forest clearings (2400–3600 m)
Plumage	Brownish-olive with fine streaking on the back; underparts paler (whitish or buff)
Sexual Dimorphism	Sexes alike
Behavior	Skulking and elusive; prefers running to flying when threatened
Vocalization	Dull clicking sound, resembles an underwhelming grasshopper
Conservation Status	Near Threatened (IUCN Red List)

Source: Hindustan Times

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to the Long-Billed Bush Warbler (Locustella major), consider the following statements:

It is found in lowland wetlands across Southeast Asia.
It prefers to run rather than fly when threatened.
It is classified as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Long-Billed Bush Warbler is not found in lowland wetlands but in high-altitude grassy slopes and alpine meadows of Central Asia.

Statement 2 is correct: The bird is skulking and prefers to run rather than fly when threatened.

Statement 3 is correct: It is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.