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Conservation status: Amber

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.

Overview

Latin name

Phylloscopus trochilus

Family

Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)

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.

Population

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

Distribution

Key

Illustrations

Audio

Patrik Aberg, Xeno-canto

Characteristics

Willow warbler

Willow warbler
  • Size: robin-sized or smaller
  • Feather colours: brown, cream/buff, green, yellow
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey
  • Beak length: short
  • Beak thickness: short
  • Leg colour: brown, pink/flesh
  • Behaviour: part of flock, wagging or flicking tail, bird hops on the ground, catches insects in flight