Iberian Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus ibericus
The Iberian Chiffchaff is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during spring and autumn, with most sightings occurring in the southern regions of England. It is more commonly found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa, where it breeds and winters in western Africa.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Iberian Chiffchaff in the field.
The Iberian Chiffchaff can be identified by its bright yellow-green plumage, white wing bars, and a distinctive dark eye stripe, which distinguishes it from other chiffchaff species. Its greenish-yellow rump and white underside are also notable features.
The Iberian Chiffchaff is slightly smaller than a Willow Warbler, measuring around 10-12 cm in length.
The male Iberian Chiffchaff has a bright greenish-yellow back, wings, and tail, with a white underside and a yellow-green crown, with little to no seasonal variation in its plumage.
The female Iberian Chiffchaff is similar to the male, with slight dulling of the colours, but overall, the female's plumage is nearly indistinguishable from the male's.
The Iberian Chiffchaff's call is a sharp, metallic "tink" or "tsip", while its song is a melodic, whistled phrase, often described as a series of descending notes.
The Iberian Chiffchaff is an active, insectivorous bird that forages for food in trees and shrubs, often flying between branches in a rapid, darting motion, and frequently hovering in mid-air to catch prey.
The Iberian Chiffchaff can be confused with the Common Chiffchaff, but can be distinguished by its brighter, more yellow-green plumage, darker eye stripe, and distinctive white wing bars, which are less pronounced in the Common Chiffchaff.
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