Geoff WORCS
Well-known member
Hi folks and Happy New year.
Last month on the 8th of last month I was fortunate enough to have my first wintering Chiffchaff for my garden here in Serbia.
Initially I noticed it wasn't a typical collybita type, lacking a distinctive eyering and the dark ear coverts which often enhance them. It was also notable for its bright look with much yellow tinting (reminiscent of juv willow warbler) and there was no downward tail pumping again typical of collybita, but plenty of wing flicking.
I had posted it on a local Facebook group describing it as an atypical collybita but on reviewing my photos and video I came to the conclusion it was something else.
My 2nd edition Collins Bird Guide gave a rudimentary description of Iberian Chiffchaff but after looking at some online photos and a report by Marcel Gil Velasco et al, I've come to believe it to be Iberian Chiffchaff. My understanding is that currently this species can only be confirmed with reference to its call/song.
The last close up though of poor quality shows one of the diagnostic features, the yellow which occurs on the eyebrow from just behind the eye to the bill.
Bear in mind this is a 1st year/winter plumage in December.
Any thoughts much appreciated
Last month on the 8th of last month I was fortunate enough to have my first wintering Chiffchaff for my garden here in Serbia.
Initially I noticed it wasn't a typical collybita type, lacking a distinctive eyering and the dark ear coverts which often enhance them. It was also notable for its bright look with much yellow tinting (reminiscent of juv willow warbler) and there was no downward tail pumping again typical of collybita, but plenty of wing flicking.
I had posted it on a local Facebook group describing it as an atypical collybita but on reviewing my photos and video I came to the conclusion it was something else.
My 2nd edition Collins Bird Guide gave a rudimentary description of Iberian Chiffchaff but after looking at some online photos and a report by Marcel Gil Velasco et al, I've come to believe it to be Iberian Chiffchaff. My understanding is that currently this species can only be confirmed with reference to its call/song.
The last close up though of poor quality shows one of the diagnostic features, the yellow which occurs on the eyebrow from just behind the eye to the bill.
Bear in mind this is a 1st year/winter plumage in December.
Any thoughts much appreciated
