Common chiffchaff

The common chiffchaff is a small, inconspicuous passerine bird of greenish color with a light belly and a pale stripe over its eye. It is found throughout the territory of Slovakia, from the lowlands to the upper forest border. It enjoys coniferous and deciduous forests, forest clearings, bushes, parks, and gardens.
The chiffchaff resembles the willow warbler but, unlike it, has dark to black legs.

They are sometimes very difficult to distinguish, and the most recognizable feature is their singing. The male is known for its monotonous, simple, and repeated “chiff-chaff-chiff-chaff-chiff-chaff” sound. It can be heard from spring until autumn when most birds stop singing. The chiffchaff is a strictly migratory species. It is among the first to arrive from its wintering grounds – in early spring, at the end of March. It is an insectivorous bird, enjoying various insects, flies, aphids, small caterpillars, beetles, and spiders.

Do you know?
The chiffchaff´s Slovak name is associated with its habit to build a nest in the shape of a cradle.