Willow Warblers/Chiffchaf ?

honeybunny1984

a couple of times this year i've had a fleeting glimpse of a tiny little bird visiting the garden but it never stayed long enough for me to get a good look but this morning i did it looked like a Willow Warbler or chifchaff...or at the very least something very similar, are either common here in ireland (im in south Dublin)?

it looked just like this bird in this pic =

V_Moth

When they are not singing, Willow Warblers (WiWa) and Chiffchaffs can be tricky to tell apart. A good clue is the call:

Chiffchaff (http://www.xeno-canto.org/58760)
Willow Warbler (http://www.xeno-canto.org/75461)

Note that WiWa has more of an accent on the first part of the call. The Chiffchaff call is usually "unaccented".

In terms of plumage, WiWa tends to be slightly brighter in comparison to Chiffchaff, but there is considerable overlap. Leg colour can be a hint, WiWa usually having pale pink to light grey coloured legs, with those of Chiffchaff being dark grey. Unfortunately there is also considerable overlap. Behaviour can be useful, Chiffchaffs frequently flicking their wings and tail, something that WiWa apparently never does.

The majority of WiWa's and Chiffchaff seen in back gardens at this time of year are migrants from other parts of Ireland. Damp and misty weather can occasionally result in quite significant falls of both species locally, which then look for insects in Birch and Willow.

To sum up, look carefully at any WiWa or Chiffchaff, noting as many ID points as possible. A good idea is to write down as many features you can see in a notebook (good practice).

EDIT: BWI pages on WiWa and Chiffchaff give more info on the species.

oldfart

Great info posted above..
Yes they are common, I can only tell the difference when they make their calls. Once you know this, you will be able to tell them apart with your ears!

honeybunny1984

thanks for the info guys