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Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)

A dainty warbler named after its song. Chiffchaffs are increasingly taking advantage of the UK’s warming climate by staying here all year long.

  • The chiffchaff is named after its song.

    Credit: John Bridges / WTML

  • It is one of the UK's smallest native birds.

    Credit: Beara Creative / Alamy Stock Photo

  • Flies are an important part of the chiffchaff’s diet.

    Credit: Blickwinkel / Alamy Stock Photo

Quick facts

Common name: chiffchaff

Scientific name: Phylloscopus collybita

Family: Sylviidae (warblers)

Habitat: woodland, scrub, parks and gardens

Diet: invertebrates

Predators: sparrowhawks take adults; a range of predators may take eggs and chicks

Origin: native

What do chiffchaffs look like? 

The chiffchaff is a dainty bird that is among our smallest. It is predominantly a green-brown colour with dark legs and a pale stripe above the eye.

Not to be confused with: the willow warbler. These species look very similar, but the easiest way to tell them apart is by the legs. While the chiffchaff normally has dark legs, the willow warbler’s are a much lighter brown. Chiffchaffs also continually flick their tail, while willow warblers only do this occasionally.

Credit: Blickwinkel / Alamy Stock Photo

What do chiffchaffs eat? 

The chiffchaff feeds on insects and invertebrates. Flies, gnats, midges and caterpillars form a large part of its diet. Seeds and berries may be taken in winter.

Credit: Jose Luis Gomez De Francisco / naturepl.com

How do chiffchaffs breed?

Chiffchaffs nest close to the ground in dense vegetation. Five to six eggs will normally be laid in May or June. The chicks will hatch after around two weeks and fledge two weeks later. Two broods may be raised each year.

Credit: John Bridges / WTML

Where do chiffchaffs live?

Chiffchaffs can be found in most of the UK in spring and summer, apart from the most mountainous areas of Scotland. The species lives in woodland, scrub, parks and gardens.

Did you know?

Chiffchaffs may fly all the way to sub-Saharan Africa to overwinter – not bad for a bird that weighs less than a £1 coin.

Do chiffchaffs migrate?

Most of the UK’s chiffchaffs are summer migrants, breeding here before flying to warmer climes in autumn. However, an increasing number of birds are now staying in the UK all year round. It’s thought this is due to the country’s warming climate, which means the birds can survive the winter here. Up to 1,000 birds are now thought to spend the whole year in the UK.

Reporting when you first see a chiffchaff or if you see one during the winter can help us assess the impact of climate change on our wildlife. Head to Nature’s Calendar to learn more.

Credit: Kemphoto Animals Wildlife / Alamy Stock Photo

Signs and spotting tips

Look for chiffchaffs flitting between tree branches on the hunt for insects. Listen out for its distinctive ‘chiffchaff chiffchaff’ song from February onwards, which earned the species its name.

Chiffchaff song

Audio: Alexander Lees / xeno-canto.org

Threats and conservation

The chiffchaff is a common bird with more than one million breeding in the UK annually. This represents an increase of more than 100% since 1970. The UK’s warming climate is thought to be an important factor in this growth.