Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
Chiffchaffs are small slim birds, with an olive-green back and head and paler green bellies. Males and females are similar. They are almost impossible to distinguish from the Willow Warbler, but the Chiffchaff’s habit of dipping its tail downward is a useful clue.
Habitat
Chiffchaffs breed in woods and shrubby places where thick vegetation provides cover. In autumn and winter they may visit parks and gardens.
Behaviour
Chiffchaffs are migratory birds from north-east Africa, spending winter around the Mediterranean and their summer in Britain. They are active and restless and have a jerky flight as they move from tree to tree.
Feeding
Chiffchaffs mainly feed on insects, including midges, other flies, aphids and caterpillars. They sometimes eat seeds and berries.
Voice
Their call is a sweet, simple huweet,very much like a Willow Warbler. Their song is an easy, bright chip-chap- chip-chap- chip-chap.