Convervation status: Amber

1 video

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

* 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

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

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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Willow warbler

Similar birds

Chiffchaff

Wood warbler