UK/Chiffchaff????/Song and bird! (1 Viewer)

[gradders52]

Is this a Chiffchaff?

Thanks
g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR--CDAB7FQ
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNoB39tE8mM

you might be interested in this SEO?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXnuTVhxj14

 

[nickderry]

if it is, it's certainly a very strange song. I'd have thought great tit on just hearing it, but the video rules that out. So in short, I have no idea.

 

[Jane Turner]

how strange!

 

[gradders52]

Photos

Thanks guys, glad it wasn't just me then... just popped out again to same location, sun has moved... can't be 100% sure it is the same bird, but singing the same song in the same place... pretty sure as one can be... photos best I could do, always looking up it's backside I'm afraid, wont turn around! Not sure if these will help or not... look like black legs and that eye... bit of yellow under that tail ??? All a bit 'odd' indeed.
Hopefully someone will know.
Thanks again
g

 

[Tri-Counties Birder]

Chiff/Willow hybrid?

 

[Cheshire Birder]

Perhaps its had a bit of Laryngitis so it carn't sing properly.

CB

 

[Monahawk]

Interesting. Had a similar chiffchaff call a couple of springs ago on my patch. Definately a chiffchaff. I put it down to a first year bird perhaps still trying to work out its vocal chords.

Si.

 

[gradders52]

NEW link and Photos

NEW link and Photos (not great I know, but didn't know if it helped).

Do these shed any light on the issue... or are we concluding 'chiffchaff' with an odd song... or is it 'normal'?
see
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_f0NoeycB8

Many Thanks

g
Known magpie in the background

 

[tarzzz]

It is clearly singin in pic 2, didn't you hear it ? That would be end of discussion. Nice smooth long sequences=WW. Stupid repeated Chiff chaff chaff chiff would be CC.

//Ben

 

[bitterntwisted]

It is clearly singin in pic 2, didn't you hear it ? That would be end of discussion. Nice smooth long sequences=WW. Stupid repeated Chiff chaff chaff chiff would be CC.

//Ben

Ah, 'twere always so easy, Ben. You need to listen to the Youtube links.

Graham

 

[nickderry]

probably still in a dream-like state here, but singing in that position, wings out, head up and with that breast pattern, I wonder what a hybrid chiffchaff x wood warbler looks/sounds like?

hmm, perhaps should have checked the video first! I think my idea is lack of sleep, that (long) tail flicking is chiffchaff, and doesn't look like wood has come anywhere near it! I'll go back to bed now. As you were.

 

[tarzzz]

Aaaargh, to fast as always. Than it's another matter. I don't have a clue. But more like CC than WW IMO.

//Ben

 

[gradders52]

Have heard another bird singing in the distance, think it might be a great tit... I wondered if this is some sort of 'territorial' song for another species... 'stay off my patch'... rather than a same species mating song... 'chiff chaff' and all that, but pure supposition and I know nowt.
It appears everyone agrees it is a bit odd. Any further comment/ideas welcome.
THANKS
g

 

[James Lidster]

The Sound Approach book also has a nice recording of a Blackcap singing back to a Great Tit, amazing mimicry!
James

 

[gradders52]

Whardisit?

Anyone for Willow Warbler.... even though it doesn't sound like one!!!???

Not sure these will help... but you guys know what to look for. It never sits still, by the time you see it, (after 20 minutes) get the camera up to eye, focus and... it's off! Still collectively might be sufficient?
g

 

[Jane Turner]

Its a Chiffchaff!

 

[HarryJ]

Anyone for Willow Warbler.... even though it doesn't sound like one!!!???

Not sure these will help... but you guys know what to look for. It never sits still, by the time you see it, (after 20 minutes) get the camera up to eye, focus and... it's off! Still collectively might be sufficient?
g

Hi,
these kind of "intermediate" or "mixed singers" (including odd singing chiffchaffs, willow warblers and a large range of songs in between) can be birds that are apparently pure chiffchaffs, or pure willows. Sometimes they are better left unidentified. In the song of your bird I don't really find anything that would point towards a willow, although it is not quite a typical chiffchaff! The photographs suggest to me that you indeed have a chiffchaff. Nice find!

Harry J

 

[gradders52]

I think the consensus is chiffchaff.
Update, I think 'he' has found a mate, appear to be two of them, but haven't had time to confirm or photograph etc.... so looks like whatever, the song works!

Suppose I'd best tell you it has been singing form Willow trees alongside a 'canal'... but didn't want that to overtly influence any thinking or a decision. I still think it is chiffchaff.
Any additional information. I'll let you know.
THANKS to everyone for contributing.
g

 

[Amarillo]

I heard an out-of-tune sounding one a few weeks ago as well so I'd say chiffchaff as well