Latin name - Phylloscopus collybita

Very easily confused with the Willow Warbler this small warbler is an extremely active bird, always flicking and wagging their tails and wings whilst feeding. Easiest way of distinguishing a Chiffchaff from a Willow Warbler is its song from which it takes it name. However if they are not singing we are told they are less yellow, have shorter eyebrows and often have darker legs – good luck in identifying! They are small olive-brown in colour, a dark eye stripe through the eye, a pale eyebrow (supercilium) and a thin pale eye ring. Although they are migratory they can be seen all year around in Devon and Cornwall; although many are probably winter visitors from Europe rather than resident birds. They feed on insects, including caterpillars, gnats and midges and are usually to be found in woodlands, parks and large gardens. The female Chiffchaff builds a domed nest close to the ground in tall grass, bushes, or wall creeping plants; where she alone incubates the eggs and then feeds the chicks! Not much equality in the Chiffchaff world!