Willow Warbler
Scientific Name: Phylloscopus trochilusMaltese Name: Vjolin Safrani
Family: Warblers (Sylviidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Willow Warbler is similar to the Chiffchaff and is one of those challenging Phylloscopus warblers. The Willow Warbler is basically pale green. It has pale white underside and green-olive upperparts. It has a thin short bill with a narrow pale stripe over eye. An important feature is that it has pale yellow/brown legs unlike the Chiffchaff which has black legs. It has an evocative song. It picks insects and spiders from foliage, also catches in insects from the air. Like other warbles, is always on the move, searching from one branch to another being very energetic. It builds a nest in thick cover laying 6 or 7 eggs raising one brood. It breeds in woodland areas and is widespread throughout Europe. It migrates to Tropical Africa for the winter. Like other warblers, they averagly live up to 5 years.
Status:
Common migrant, influxes occasionally occur. A Willow Warbler, probably of the subspecies Yakutensis from Siberia was ringed on Comino on the 30th April 2009.
When to See:
Spring; March until May, autumn; late August until beginning of November.
Where to See:
The Willow Warbler can be seen in a wide range of habitats while on migration. It prefers wooded areas and valleys with cover. Simar and Ghadira Nature Reserves are two very good sites amongst many others.
Photographs:
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Willow Warbler, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Willow Warbler probably of ssp.yakutensis,30th April 2009, Comino | Abbarent Willow Warbler, 13th March 2010, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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