Common chiffchaff

Phylloscopus collybita

The common chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), or simply the chiffchaff, is a common and widespread leaf warbler which breeds in open woodlands throughout northern and temperate Europe and the Palear

Family: Phylloscopidae Order: passerines Conservation: Least Concern
Common chiffchaff

About the Common chiffchaff

The common chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), or simply the chiffchaff, is a common and widespread leaf warbler which breeds in open woodlands throughout northern and temperate Europe and the Palearctic. It is a migratory passerine which winters in southern and western Europe, southern Asia and north Africa. Greenish-brown above and off-white below, it is named onomatopoeically for its simple chiff-chaff song. It has a number of subspecies, some of which are now treated as full species. The female builds a domed nest on or near the ground, and assumes most of the responsibility for brooding and feeding the chicks, whilst the male has little involvement in nesting, but defends his territory against rivals, and attacks potential predators. A small insectivorous bird, it is subject to preda

Fun Facts About Common chiffchaff

  • The female builds a domed nest on or near the ground, and assumes most of the responsibility for brooding and feeding the chicks, whilst the male has little involvement in nesting, but defends his territory against rivals, and attacks potential predators.
  • The common chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), or simply the chiffchaff, is a common and widespread leaf warbler which breeds in open woodlands throughout northern and temperate Europe and the Palearctic.
  • Its large range and population mean that its status is secure, although one subspecies is probably extinct.
  • It is a migratory passerine which winters in southern and western Europe, southern Asia and north Africa.
  • Greenish-brown above and off-white below, it is named onomatopoeically for its simple chiff-chaff song.

Conservation Status

The Common chiffchaff is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Orderpasserines
FamilyPhylloscopidae
GenusPhylloscopus
SpeciesPhylloscopus collybita

Range & Habitat

Range map of Common chiffchaff

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Related Species

Other species in the Phylloscopidae family: