small brown bird, Netherlands, Amsterdam 9th of July 2021 (1 Viewer)

[Frank-birding]

Today I saw this small brownish bird actively foraging high up in the trees, it was calling but I didn’t recognise its call. Area was parkland, with water nearby and a lane with large trees in which the bird was foraging.
Its bright orange bill struck me. Willow warbler could be likely perhaps. But would one have such an orange bill?

It would be great if someone could help me with the ID.

bye, Frank

 

[PYRTLE]

A warbler, probably a worn Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita).

 

[Frank-birding]

Thank you, Pyrtle,

The orange bill (possibly exaggerated by the upward angle) is something for me to take into account then, when id-ing Chiffchaffs. Good to know!

Regards,
Frank

 

[Rotherbirder]

Thank you, Pyrtle,

The orange bill (possibly exaggerated by the upward angle) is something for me to take into account then, when id-ing Chiffchaffs. Good to know!

Regards,
Frank

No Frank, an orange bill is not diagnostic of Chiffchaff. As you said, the viewing angle (from below) and lighting has probably exaggerated the feature in your shots.

RB

 

[Frank-birding]

Hi RB,

Good that you mentioned that. Such an exaggeration caused by light and angle could well have happened here indeed. In any case, the orange bill feature threw me off the ID of this bird. At least I learned to take this bill colour (or the lack thereof) not for granted in future observations of small brown warblers...

Thank you,
Frank