Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus trochilus
Overview
Willow warblers have a descending song. Grizedale. Borrowdale. Yellow. Common. April to August. Hard to separate from chiffchaff. Song descends. Chiffchaff doesn't.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Phylloscopidae |
| Habitat | Woodland · Scrub · Moorland edge |
| Diet | Insects. Feeds in foliage. |
| UK population | Around 2.4 million pairs. Declining. |
| Lake District | Grizedale. Borrowdale. Woodland. Scrub. That descending song. Yellow. Common. April to August. Hard to separate from chiffchaff. Song is the key. |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Woodland, scrub, moorland. Grizedale, Borrowdale, the fells. That descending song. Common. Yellow.
Identification
Yellow. Small. Descending song. Similar to chiffchaff. Song is the key. Legs paler than chiffchaff.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Woodland. That descending song. Song is the key. Chiffchaff doesn't descend.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.