Willow Warbler

The Willow Warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus , is a very common and widespread leaf warbler which breeds throughout northern and temperate Europe and Asia.

This warbler is strongly migratory and the entire population winters in sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of the first leaf warblers, to return in the spring, but is later than the Chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita.

This is a bird of open woodlands with trees and ground cover for nesting, including birch and willow uplands. The nest is built in low shrub. Like most Old World warblers, this small passerine is insectivorous.

This is a typical leaf warbler in appearance, greenish brown above and off-white below. It is very similar to the Chiffchaff, but non-singing birds can be distinguished from that species by their paler legs, longer paler bill, more elegant shape and longer primary projection.

Its song is a simple repetitive descending whistle.