Willow Warbler or Chiffchaff ??? (1 Viewer)

[Donald Talbott]

Taken this morning in my garden. 9/8/2023. I know Chiffchaff has dark legs. Many thanks for your help. Donald Talbott.

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello Donald,

I agree with your ID, judging from the file-name:

do you have more pictures, that allows to judge pp and number of emarginations?

Anyway, I would opt for a Willow Warbler if forced:

• extensive and uniform citrin-yellow underparts with only a little pure white o the central belly (ID book colouration for a 1cy Willow Warbler, but I think within variation for an extrem Chiffchaff???)
• yes, legs are dark in your bird, but feet are warm orange.
• head pattern seems better for a Willow Warbler, although I always search for the darker frame on the lower ear-coverts, that many Willow Warblers have.

 

[Donald Talbott]

Many thanks for your help Alexander.

 

[S_Man]

Hello Donald,

I agree with your ID, judging from the file-name:

do you have more pictures, that allows to judge pp and number of emarginations?

Anyway, I would opt for a Willow Warbler if forced:

• extensive and uniform citrin-yellow underparts with only a little pure white o the central belly (ID book colouration for a 1cy Willow Warbler, but I think within variation for an extrem Chiffchaff???)
• yes, legs are dark in your bird, but feet are warm orange.
• head pattern seems better for a Willow Warbler, although I always search for the darker frame on the lower ear-coverts, that many Willow Warblers have.

So this one would be a Willow Warbler too - else how is that emargination criteria defined, exactly? Primaries are more "pointy" in this Chiffchaff picture...

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello,

yes I agree with you: left bird should be a Willow Warbler and the right bird should be a Chiffchaff (as labelled), although I would like to see the entire bird (no offence you know)

For the emargination thing: is this helpful?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1248178952344133632

 

[S_Man]

Hello,

yes I agree with you: left bird should be a Willow Warbler and the right bird should be a Chiffchaff (as labelled), although I would like to see the entire bird (no offence you know)

For the emargination thing: is this helpful?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1248178952344133632

I'm not even sure where do these primaries begin and end when the wing is folded... And some sources mention possible hybrids?

No offence, I chose those frames on purpose, as the global shape/silhouette and feet might be too obvious on the whole birds.

 

[Butty]

where do these primaries begin and end when the wing is folded

File:Passerine wing 1.jpg - BirdForum Opus

www.birdforum.net

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello,
thanks for the entire pictures! Excellent portraits of both warblers worth showing in total. Tfs!