Chiffchaff or willow warbler

Words · #1 (**permalink**) 07-10-2007, 11:28 PM

I can never work out how to spot the difference. I had this down as a willow warbler (possibly juvenile) but am having doubts.

paulchandler6 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-10-2007, 11:40 PM

I would have gone for Chiffchaff on the face pattern. The only thing that gives me doubt is the foot colour which looks very pale.
Unfortunately other features cant be seen.

Paul

aeshna5 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007, 05:01 AM

Despite the pale foot the gizz looks like Chifchaff to me too.

Words · #4 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007, 06:59 AM

Thanks both. So it's 'dark feet' for chiffchaff! I'll go with that then

I've put a second shot up in the bird Gallery (should be up there later).

therealbobbo · #5 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007, 07:01 AM

I think it's a chiffchaff,but wether I'm right or wrong,that is a superb photo,bobbo

andy68 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007, 07:21 AM

Definitely Chiffchaff (facial expression and general dull coloration). As I've mentioned before in Willow/Chiff debates, leg & foot colour aren't reliable in separating the two, although a Phyllosc with really jet black legs will always be a Chiffchaff.

If it was taken recently as well, it's much more likely to be a Chiffchaff, as the vast majority of Willows will have migrated by now. I rarely see Willows on autumn passage - 9 times out of 10 (possibly more) if you see a Phyllosc in autumn, it's a Chiffchaff!

Andy

rlchew · #7 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007, 08:55 AM

I think it is that strange species that we see in Autumn .... Willowchiff

From the photo and at a push, I would go for Chiffchaff.

Richard

demicav · #8 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlchew

I think it is that strange species that we see in Autumn .... Willowchiff

From the photo and at a push, I would go for Chiffchaff.

Richard

They all look like Willowchiffs to me

.

andy68 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy68

....I rarely see Willows on autumn passage....

Having said that, I saw one (at Hoswick on Shetland) this afternoon!

There were however more Chiffchaffs (3 or 4), but both species were outnumbered by Yellow-browed Warblers, of which there were at least 6 in the trees around the hotel at Hoswick!

Andy

paulchandler6 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy68

Having said that, I saw one (at Hoswick on Shetland) this afternoon!

There were however more Chiffchaffs (3 or 4), but both species were outnumbered by Yellow-browed Warblers, of which there were at least 6 in the trees around the hotel at Hoswick!

Andy

Usually get a few Willow Warbler on Scilly in October, but far more Chiffs.
Yellow-broweds are such magical little Warblers. Along with Pallas's my favourites.

Paul