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  • Willow warbler

Willow warbler

Willow warbler
Willow warbler
  • Scientific name: Phylloscopus trochilus
  • Bird family: Warblers
  • UK conservation status: Amber
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Audio

Your browser does not support this audio feature.

Patrik Åberg, Xeno-canto

Key information

Willow warblers are small birds with grey-green backs and pale under parts. They have a yellow tinged chest and throat and pale supercilium (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.

What they eat:

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

Measurements:

Length:
10.5-11.5cm
Wingspan:
16-22cm
Weight:
7-12g

Population:

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.
UK breeding:
2,400,000 territories

Identifying features:

Willow warbler

Willow Warbler
Feather colour: Brown Cream/buff Green Yellow
Leg colour: Brown Pink
Beak: Black Short Thin
Natural habitats: Woodland Grassland Heathland Urban and suburban

Similar birds:

Chiffchaff illustration
Chiffchaff
Wood warbler
Wood warbler

Where and when to see them

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

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  • Resident
  • Passage
  • Summer
  • Winter
Willow warbler distribution map

You can see willow warblers between April and September.

  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

RSPB reserves

  • RSPB Carngafallt

Video

Willow warbler singing on a tree branch.

Willow warbler singing on a tree branch.

Willow warbler video screenshot

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