Willow Warbler

3 days ago door David CUTLER

Points: 5

Spotted

The Willow Warbler is a common and widespread small warbler, distinguished by its delicate build, plain greenish-brown upperparts, pale underparts, and a long, pale supercilium. Its melancholic, descending song is a familiar sound of spring.

Where to spot

Breeds across most of Europe and temperate Asia, preferring open woodlands, scrub, heathland, and gardens. Winters primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.

How to spot

Look for its rather plain plumage: dull greenish-brown upperparts, off-white underparts, and a distinct pale supercilium. It has pale legs. Differentiate from Chiffchaff by its longer primary projection and more elegant form. The most reliable ID is its distinctive, soft, melancholic song, which descends in pitch and volume.

When to spot

Present in breeding areas from spring (April/May) to late summer (August/September). Migratory passage can be observed in spring and autumn.

Where to spot

Breeds across most of Europe and temperate Asia, preferring open woodlands, scrub, heathland, and gardens. Winters primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.

How to spot

When to spot

Present in breeding areas from spring (April/May) to late summer (August/September). Migratory passage can be observed in spring and autumn.

Credits: PiùChéBella

Credits: Laubegaster Ufer

Credits: Ouwesok

Credits: Philippe Garcelon

The Willow Warbler holds the record for one of the longest migrations among small songbirds, with some individuals traveling up to 12,000 kilometers from their breeding grounds in Scandinavia to their wintering grounds in southern Africa.

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