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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
RSPB Ynys-hir reserve - view through trees towards river Chiffchaff in brambles Blackthorn blossom, April
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Chiffchaff

Green conservation status

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Latin name

Phylloscopus collybita

Family

Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)

Overview

A small olive-brown warbler which actively flits through trees and shrubs, with a distinctive tail-wagging movement. Less bright than the similar willow warbler and readily distinguished by its song, from where it gets its name. Picks insects from trees and also flies out to snap them up in flight.

Where to see them

Lowland woodlands, parks and large gardens.

When to see them

All year round, but most arrive in late March and depart in August and September.

What they eat

Insects.

Estimated numbers

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-807,000 territories500-1,000 birds-

* 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

In the UK
All, except for far N and W of Scotland.

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
Chiffchaff

Chiffchaff

Similar birds

Willow warbler (illustration)

Willow warbler

Wood warbler (illustration)

Wood warbler

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Latest news

RSPB condemns Weston Otmoor 'Eco' Town' plan

Plans to build an ‘Eco-town’ of 15,000 houses at Weston Otmoor, north of Oxford, have been slammed by Europe’s largest conservation charity, the RSPB.

Hundreds of Yorkshire seabirds drowning in fishing nets

The RSPB believes hundreds of seabirds have died so far this summer after becoming entangled in fishing nets set for salmon and sea trout in Filey Bay, North Yorkshire.

Golden eagle killing thwarts bird's recovery

The Golden Eagle Framework, published today by Scottish Natural Heritage, proves relentless persecution is halting this magnificent bird of prey’s recovery in Scotland and is thwarting the bird’s return to northern England.

More news...

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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 01:10:04
Show/hide picture credits
RSPB Ynys-hir reserve - view through trees towards river - D Purslow (rspb-images.com, Ref: 6297000_00001_000 )
Chiffchaff in brambles - Steve Round
Blackthorn blossom, April - Katie Fuller
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)