Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybita
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Chiffchaff is one of the first migrants to arrive each spring — its persistent 'chiff-chaff' song (uttered exactly as the name suggests) from scrub and woodland is one of the reliable signs that winter is ending. At Formby the first Chiffchaffs can appear in late February or early March, singing from any sheltered scrub. They're plain, olive-brown warblers, impossible to identify on looks alone — the repetitive song is essential. Increasingly, birds overwinter on the Sefton Coast in mild years.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Phylloscopidae |
| Habitat | Woodland edge · Dense dune scrub · Hedgerow · Sheltered gardens |
| Diet | Small insects and invertebrates — gleans from leaves and twigs |
| UK population | Around 1.8 million pairs; green-listed; expanding into winter |
| Sefton Coast | Common spring and summer; some overwinter; first arriving birds in March |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Any scrubby woodland, dune scrub and hedgerow on the Sefton Coast. The chiff-chaff call carries far.
Identification
Small, plain warbler. Olive-brown above, pale below, no strong wing bars. Very similar to Willow Warbler but legs dark (pale on Willow Warbler) and song completely different. Dips tail downward. Song: 'chiff-chaff-chiff-chaff' repeated persistently.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Listen for the 'chiff-chaff' song from any scrub in spring — it's one of the most easily learned bird songs. In winter, check any sheltered scrub for birds that are less obvious in silence.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell a Chiffchaff from a Willow Warbler?
They look almost identical but the song is completely different — Chiffchaff says 'chiff-chaff' repeatedly; Willow Warbler has a beautiful descending cascade of notes. On the bird itself, leg colour can help: Chiffchaff usually has dark/black legs; Willow Warbler usually has paler, flesh-coloured legs. Willow Warbler also tends to look slightly paler with a more distinct supercilium.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.