Willow Warbler v Chiffchaff

[colincurry]

I think this a willow warbler, but await confirmation





Thanks

Colin

[djackso]

Maybe it's a Garden Warbler.

I don't think WW or CC - the eye area, colour and shape don't really fit.

[Dae]

I agree, I don't think this is either a ww or a cc. It does look quite a bit like a garden warbler, but having never seen one myself in person, I couldn't possibly say for sure.

[colincurry]

I have looked at all my books and they show the gaqrden warbler with a thick short bill - this is not the case here.

Jury still out?

Colin

[galanthus]

I too am sure it's a garden warbler, no eye stripe, grey legs, buff underbits, bill looks about right to me too.

[RobinP]

Yes, no discernible eye-stripe, no pale supercilium and lack of greenish colouring all point to Garden Warbler, though it does appear to have a pale eye-ring, a difficult bird to id for certain.

[GuyF]

The shape looks very much like a Reed Warbler to me although the colours seem a little odd, I don't know whether juveniles are less rufous or have fainter eyestripes?
Guy

[djackso]

Originally Posted by colincurry

I think this a willow warbler, but await confirmation





Thanks

Colin

What sort of habitat, Colin. Near water? The reed warbler looks about right too.

[RobinP]

I ruled out Reed Warbler on the head shape, they seem to have a steep forehead and a shaggy head, also I've never seen one in a tree like that, only a waterside willow.

[colincurry]

I saw this about 100 yards from the river; there were also gravel pits quite nearby.

Looks more like a reed rather than a garden to me. I did not consider reed because it was not immediately next to water; and certainly not in reeds.

A lot of reed pictures show a smooth head.

Colin

[GlendaleGuy]

Definitely a reed warbler. Very nice shot. They are very difficult to photograph. Well done.

[RobinP]

Just received some expert opinion - juvenile Reed Warbler is the verdict.

[Ferret]

Is it not a juvenile Reed Warbler?

[Ferret]

Sorry did not read the last few posts before replying

[colincurry]

Thank you all.

Colin

[galanthus]

Hmm, wasn't convinced on reed warbler, however, can see the paler underthroat now,