Willow or Wood Warbler?

[Lester]

One of the two I think, help!

[thebeard]

Willow warbler, the yellow belly suggests this over wood warbler, which is a lot lighter (whiter!).

[theresa dockery]

Originally Posted by Lester

One of the two I think, help!

Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) - going by the slightly duller colouration and black legs.

[Deb London]

I think that is a Chiffchaff.

[theresa dockery]

You may find this useful....

Telling the Phylloscopus warblers apart:

Song (the best way!):
Each species has its own distinctive song: the Willow Warbler's is a loose, descending warbling-trill (described by many as a 'dying fall').

Wood Warblers have a trilling call which somewhat resembles the sound of a coin spinning on a table.

Chiffchaffs sing their own name 'chiff chaff, chiff chaff'.

Legs:
Generally, chiffchaffs = blackish legs. Willow & wood warblers = pale pinkish legs.

Eyebrow (supercillium):
Chiffchaff has a very slight eyebrow (doesn't extend much beyond eye). Wood warbler has a very bold, yellowish eyebrow (extends well beyond eye). Willow warbler is somewhere in between.

Plumage:
Chiffchaff a very murky, dull brown. Willow warbler much brighter plumage. Wood warbler has a very distinct contrast between the white belly and greenish upperside (very yellowish tinge to breast).

Good link here (with pictures!):
Flickr: Discussing SEPARATING WILLOW WARBLERS and CHIFFCHAFFS in Birds and Wildlife UK

[RKB]

It's a juvenile Chiffchaff. The leg colour (virtually) rules out Willow and Wood, while the primary projection finishes the job. Short primary projection and very dark legs = Chiffchaff.

As it's a juv, it's much more yellow underneath, like Willow. Wood always have a white belly, even juvs.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Chiffchaff

[Picidae]

Originally Posted by RKB

It's a juvenile Chiffchaff. ...

As it's a juv, it's much more yellow underneath, like Willow. Wood always have a white belly, even juvs.

Be interested to know why you are identifying this as a juvenile other than yellowish tones on belly?

Adult Chiffchaff, in fresh autumn plumage, are only very slightly or even indestinguishable from 1w Chiffchaff. The degree of 'yellow' is also quite variable anyway

All the tail feathers look fresh on my monitor as from what can be made out, as far as what I can see of them, so do the primary coverts. The outer greater coverts are neatly edged greens. I don't think there's enough clarity imo to say either way.

[Lester]

Thanks everyone for the feedback on this.

Looking at another frame the legs are definitely blackish.

Also I remember noting at the time the bird was only 8-10ft away and quite happy we were there, I remember wondering at the time it it might be a Juv as it seemed a little naive.

Unfortunately it did not sing, at least whilst visible, but the legs clinch it.

[actionfinch]

nice little bird.. looking at the picture i cant wait to spot one of those....
love the pics