Common Chiffchaff
NameCommon Chiffchaff
Common NameCommon Chiffchaff
Scientific NamePhylloscopus collybita
FamilyPhylloscopidae
Wingspan (cm)18
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)8
Plumage DetailsDull olive-brown upperparts, whitish to pale yellowish underparts, a pale supercilium (eyebrow stripe), and dark legs. The wings are plain with no wing bars.
Vocalization / CallIts most characteristic vocalization is a repetitive, two-note song, often transcribed as 'chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff'. It also has a soft 'huit' call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across much of Europe and Asia, from Ireland and Portugal eastwards to eastern Siberia. Winters in southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Dull olive-brown upperparts, Pale supercilium, Dark legs, Constantly flicking tail, Distinctive 'chiff-chaff' song
Description
The Common Chiffchaff is a small, active warbler with dull olive-brown upperparts and pale underparts. It is known for its distinctive two-note song and constantly flicking tail, often found foraging for insects in the canopy of trees and shrubs.
