Willow warbler

[johnpw]

I'm still struggling to tell the difference between Chiffchaffs and Willow warblers. Based on guidance from a previous post this does not appear to have the distinct ring around the eye of the Chiffchaff and the legs are not as black as Chiffchaff photos I've taken. Is it a Willow Warbler? Help appreciated.

[Cazzie]

Nice pic John!

I'd go with Willow, purely because it hasn't got the yellow/green tinge to it's underside like the Chiffchaff has. Also it's head shape seems more like a Willow. It has black'ish legs though, so don't take my word for it lol!

[paulchandler6]

I reckon thats a Chiffchaff, based on the black legs and the shorter primary projection, also the more greyer/browny tones. Willow warbler tends to have pale legs, a longer primary projection and more yellowy tones. Also the calls are slightly different. Chiffchaff more monosyllabic and Willow Warbler disyllabic. Hope that helps. Cheers

[johnpw]

Originally Posted by paulchandler6

I reckon thats a Chiffchaff, based on the black legs and the shorter primary projection, also the more greyer tones. Willow warbler tends to have pale legs, a longer primary projection and more yellowy tones. Also the calls are slightly different. Chiffchaff more monosyllabic and Willow Warbler disyllabic. Hope that helps. Cheers

Paul, I'm sure I should know but what is the primary projection?

[paulchandler6]

Its the length that the primary wing feathers project beyond the secondary wing feathers. Longer distant migrants tend to have longer primary projection. Cheers

[andy68]

I think it's a Chiffchaff as well, for the same reasons that Paul gives. It has got the pale crescent below the eye, but it's not as obvious as it sometimes is because that part of the bird's head is in full sunlight.

Andy

[johnpw]

Looks like the Chiffchaff has it. I'll get there in the end. Just to be sure here is another picture of the same bird.

When you refer to the crescent under the eye, it is presumably the whiter bit round the bottom half of the eye?
I thought it was not so distinct as what I know to be a Chiffchaff (from the song )as in the image below. Would a Willow warbler have no crescent?

[jdurbo]

I can't help with what it is , they are really nice pictures!!!

jen xxx

[paulchandler6]

Chiffchaff's face tends to be darker under the eye so the crescent is more apparent, but it is not a particularly good point to go on as it is not always obvious in varying light conditions. Good pics by the way. Cheers

[johnpw]

Thanks for all your help everyone ( and the comments on the photos). The clue from Paul re the difference in the call (as opposed to the song) could be really useful as I think I heard both today.