Chiffchaff

The Chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita , is a common and widespread leaf warbler which breeds throughout the northern and temperate Europe and Asia. It is probably the best-known of all Old World warblers.

This warbler is strongly migratory and northern breeders winter in southern Europe, southern Asia and north Africa. It is hardier than most leaf warblers.

Along with the Sand Martin, it is the first passerine to return in the spring, and the Chiffchaff is one of the last to leave in late autumn. Unlike most warblers, it winters in the milder parts of its breeding range, such as southern France, Italy and Greece.

This is a bird of open woodlands with some taller trees and ground cover for nesting. The nest is built in low shrub. Like most Old World warblers, this small species is insectivorous.

This is a typical leaf warbler in appearance, greenish brown above and off-white below. It is very similar to the Willow Warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus , but non-singing birds can be distinguished from that species by their dark legs, fine dark bill, dumpy shape and short primary projection[?].

This warbler gets its name from its simple song, a repetitive cheerful "chiff-chaff" . This song is one of the first avian signs that spring has returned.

Three very similar species have recently been split from Phylloscopus collybita . This is on the basis of DNA differences and reproductive isolation.

These are:

• Iberian Chiffchaff, P. brehmii, of Portugal and southern Spain
• Canary Island Chiffchaff, P. canariensis
• Mountain Chiffchaff , P. sindianus, of the Caucasus

The greyer eastern subspecies Siberian Chiffchaff , Phylloscopus (collybita) tristis is sometimes considered to be a full species, although it intergrades with the nominate race in the west of its range.