Common Chiffchaff

Overview

The common chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita, is a small, dumpy leaf warbler that breeds in open woodlands across northern and temperate Europe and the Palearctic. It is a migratory passerine that winters in southern and western Europe, southern Asia and north Africa, returning to its breeding grounds early in spring.

Identification

• Greenish-brown upperparts and off-white underparts becoming yellowish on the flanks, with a short whitish supercilium.
• Small size of 10–12 cm in length, with dark legs, a fine dark bill and rounded wings in flight.
• Distinctive repetitive 'chiff-chaff' song, which is one of the first signs of spring, and a simple 'hweet' call.
• Diagnostic tail movement consisting of a dip followed by a sideward wag, distinguishing it from other Phylloscopus warblers.

Habitat

Breeds in open woodlands with taller trees and ground cover, typically requiring trees at least 5 metres high and undergrowth of grasses, bracken or nettles. In winter, it uses a wider range of habitats including scrub and is often found near water, with an increasing trend to overwinter in western Europe.

Diet

An insectivorous bird that forages restlessly through foliage or by briefly hovering. It consumes insects, mainly flies from over 50 families, along with other small invertebrates and the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths, particularly those of the winter moth.

Did you know?

The female constructs a domed nest on or near the ground and assumes most responsibility for brooding and feeding the chicks, while the male has little involvement in nesting but fiercely defends the territory against rivals and predators.