Chiffchaff or Willow Warbler?

[pressld2]

I think this is a Chiffchaff but mainly because I could hear one at the time although I never saw this bird open its beak.





The other possibility is that it's a Willow Warbler as they look remarkably similar. If anyone could confirm this for me one way or the other I'd be very grateful!

Dave P.

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Without hearing it's difficult, but i'd go for Chiffchaff because the bird is duller

[Steve149c]

I agree, chiffchaff. Lack of olive colouring, see my photo below for the Willow Warbler. Note the light yellow round the eyes and near the wing/belly area.



Steve

[zharca]

Hi, yes I think that even without looking at the colouring, the very dark legs say Chiffchaff - the Warblers are sort of light pinky.

[almostnormal]

i'd also have to go with chiff chaff. the eye stripe is a bit too white for willow warbler, although again, hard to be 100% without hearing its song!

[ian vickors]

These are hard to tell in the field unless they are seen singing

The only sure way to tell which is which is when you have one in the hand ringing. The wing formula is used. The Chiffchaff has an emarginated 6 prinary feather and Willow warbler does not