The common chiffchaff, passerine present in Camargue

Common Chiffchaff

Scientific name: Phylloscopus collybita

Family: Phylloscopidae

Length: 10 to 12 cm, Wingspan: 17 to 18 cm

Description

The Common Chiffchaff is a petite, robust bird belonging to the Phylloscopidae family. On average, males weigh approximately 8.7 grams, while females typically range from 6 to 7 grams. Adult birds exhibit green and dull, faded brown plumage on their upperparts, while their underparts are off-white, transitioning to yellowish hues on the flanks. The legs and toes are black, distinguishing it from the Pouillot fitis, which has lighter-colored legs. The tail and flight feathers feature brown coloring with delicate pale olive-green edging. The underside of the tail is cream-white with buff tinges, and the wings are yellow on the interior.

The head displays an olive-brown shade, adorned with a light yellow eyebrow and a slender whitish eye-circle, which contrasts with a darker olive-brown stripe that runs through the eye. The beak is slender, pointed, and dark-hued, accompanied by dark brown eyes.

Behavior

This energetic bird is known for its lively nature and is relatively unreserved around humans. At the onset of spring, its monotonous two-note song becomes a familiar sound, signaling the return of the season.