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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Willow warbler on twig Hawthorn scrub, Cambridgeshire Willow warbler in tree
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Willow warbler

Amber conservation status

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Latin name

Phylloscopus trochilus

Family

Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)

Overview

Willow warblers are small birds with grey-green backs and pale under parts. They have a yellow tinged chest and throat and pale supercillium (the stripe above the eye). They are separated from the very similar chiffchaff by their song. Their population, especially in southern Britain, has undergone a moderate decline over the past 25 years making them an Amber List species.

Where to see them

Willow warblers are widespread and can be seen in suitable habitat across most of the UK.

When to see them

April-September

What they eat

A wide variety of small insects and spiders. Fruit and berries in autumn.

Estimated numbers

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-2,125,000 territories--

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

  • Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

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1 illustration

Illustrations
Willow warbler

Willow warbler

Similar birds

Chiffchaff (illustration)

Chiffchaff

Wood warbler (illustration)

Wood warbler

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The future of the UK's globally-important marine wildlife looks brighter with the introduction of a Marine and Coastal Access Bill in today’s Queen's Speech.

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Many of Europe's formerly 'common' farmland birds continue to suffer from the effects of agricultural change, mirroring dramatic declines of these species in the UK.

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© 2008 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SC037654
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Last published: 14/06/2008 02:17:10
Show/hide picture credits
Willow warbler on twig - Steve Round
Hawthorn scrub, Cambridgeshire - Katie Fuller
Willow warbler in tree - Graham Catley
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)