Phylloscopus collybita
The Chiffchaff is a small, olive-brown warbler with a pale eye stripe and faint wing bars. Its underparts are typically pale with a yellowish tinge, while the upperparts are olive-green to brown. The bird has short, rounded wings and a slightly forked tail.
Males and females are virtually identical in appearance, with females being slightly smaller on average. Juveniles closely resemble adults but may appear slightly duller and more yellow-tinged overall.
Length
10cm to 12cm
Wingspan
15cm to 21cm
Weight
6g to 10g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Olive Brown
Secondary Colour
White Yellow
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Dark Brown Black
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Chiffchaffs inhabit many wooded habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, parks, gardens, and hedgerows. They are widespread across Europe and Asia, with populations extending from Western Europe to Eastern Siberia.
In the UK, Chiffchaffs are common summer visitors and increasingly year-round residents in southern areas. Some populations migrate to the Mediterranean and North Africa for winter, while others have begun overwintering in their breeding grounds, likely due to climate change.
Sea level to 3,300 meters
Temperate, Subtropical
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Chiffchaff. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
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Share your thoughtsOur bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Chiffchaff displays remarkable agility, constantly flitting through foliage and even hovering whilst foraging for insects. Its restless nature and ability to navigate dense vegetation with ease justify a high agility rating.
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small warbler weighing only 6-10 grams, the Chiffchaff's strength is limited. Whilst capable of long-distance migration, its physical power is modest compared to larger birds.
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Chiffchaffs demonstrate exceptional adaptability, thriving in various wooded habitats from sea level to 3,300 metres. Their ability to adjust migratory patterns in response to climate change further showcases their adaptability.
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
During breeding season, male Chiffchaffs become quite territorial, vigorously defending their areas with persistent singing and aerial displays. However, they are not known for extreme aggression towards other species.
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Despite their small size, Chiffchaffs exhibit impressive endurance. They undertake long migratory journeys and maintain constant activity while foraging. Some individuals have been recorded living up to 8 years in the wild, indicating good stamina for their size.
Chiffchaffs are primarily insectivorous, feeding on various small insects and spiders. They glean prey from leaves and branches, often hovering to snatch insects in mid-air,ย as well as on the ground.
They may supplement their diet in autumn with small berries and fruits, especially during migration.ย Their normal daily intake of flies will usually be equal to a third of their body weight.
Chiffchaffs are restless and active birds, constantly flitting through foliage in search of insects. They often hover while foraging, a distinctive behaviour among warblers.
During the breeding season, males become highly territorial, vigorously defending their areas with persistent singing and occasional aerial displays.
The Chiffchaff's name is onomatopoeic, derived from its distinctive song: a repetitive 'chiff-chaff' or 'zilp-zalp'. This simple yet persistent call is often the first sign of spring in many European woodlands. They also have a soft 'hweet' call that is used for contact and alarm.
Chiffchaffs typically form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which runs from April to July in most of Europe. Males establish territories and attract females with persistent singing.
The nest is a domed structure made of grass, leaves, and moss, usually located close to the ground in low vegetation or brambles. Females lay 5-6 white eggs with dark speckles.
Incubation lasts about 13-14 days, and the female primarily performs it. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 12-15 days. Pairs often raise two broods per season in favourable conditions.
While the Chiffchaff is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on preserving woodland habitats and monitoring population trends across its range.
It benefits from protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act in the UK.
Common Chiffchaff
2 to 3 years
8 years [4]
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Phylloscopus collybita (amended version of 2017 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T103843725A155613186.
View sourcereport, 2015: EBCC
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
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