Scientific name: Phylloscopus (leaf watcher) trochylus(?)
In the bush, it can be very hard to distinguish Willow Warbler from Chiffchaff, unless they are singing. Willow Warbler have lighter coloured legs, but these are not always easy to see. The colour of the plumage is brighter and with more yellow hues than Chiffchaff. It is much easier to have one in the hand. The primary feathers are numbered for reference and the sixth one on a Chiffchaff is emarginated – one side of the feather narrows towards the tip, on a Willow Warbler, it has no emargination. This needs to be checked every time with these two species to ensure correct ID. One of the best sites for Willow Warbler is Pleinmont, particularly during the autumn migration when their movement through the island is more leisurely than in the spring.
They are one of only a few species of bird to have two annual moults. They have a primary moult post-breeding in the summer and a second one in their wintering grounds. This is possiby linked to their migration as feathers would need to be in good condition for the long journey.
Local Habitats: open deciduous and coniferous woodland and scrub – Pleinmont and Le Vaux de Monel, Le Grand Pre, Reservoir, Le Chateau des Marais
Diet: invertebrates such as spiders and insects. In the autumn they will also feed onb berries.
Distribution: breeds in Europe, winters in tropical and southern Africa.
UK Conservation Status: Amber.
Guernsey migration dates: mid-March to mid-April; mid-July to mid-October. It is unlikely that Willow Warbler breed in the Bailiwick.
Natural history of the Bailiwick of Guernsey 