Chiffcaff (was - ID please (again!))

Rainbowsend

This little bird arrives in my garden from time to time, he is very small and slender compared to say a sparrow. Pointy little bill and a lovely soft buff yellowy colour. I am thinking warbler but cant identify it from my bird book.

1squidge

Looks like a chiffchaff to me.

Feargal as Luimneach

1squide correct it's a chiffchaff.
Darkish legs rule out willow warbler and rarer wood warbler. Also the primary projections are shortish.
Nice photo:)

Rainbowsend

Ah thanks very much, its good to know what you are looking at!

Bsal

I have a Chiffchaff visit my garden often, do they migrate for the winter or do they stay in Ireland?

Whippersnapper

Great photo!

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Bsal wrote: »

I have a Chiffchaff visit my garden often, do they migrate for the winter or do they stay in Ireland?

They generally arrive in late March and depart in August and September. An odd one may be present all year round.

stevensi

As Srameen pointed out most do depart our shores around now but some do stick about all year. I actually had two of them in my place on Christmas Eve last year...

Bsal

I hope my ones stay but I fear they have left, haven't seen them in a few days.

Feargal as Luimneach

Increasingly they are wintering in the south of the country...