Willow Warbler
Willow Warblers seemed to be singing from every bush and tree yesterday morning. They seem to arrive each spring just as the leaves are starting to appear and I think this one looks good among the fresh Alder foliage. Willow Warblers usually arrive about a week later than Chiffchaffs, and apparently Willow Warbler is about twice as common as Chiffchaff. In 2013 the UK population of Willow Warbler was estimated as 2.4 million pairs whereas Chiffchaff was a mere 1.2 million. Though still a very common summer migrant, Willow Warbler numbers have declined. They used to be abundant throughout Britain but the latest breeding Bird Atlas (2007-11) shows a worrying decline in abundance throughout England, but especially in the south. Numbers have held up in Wales and even appear to have increased in Scotland. Its scientific name is Phylloscopus trochilus. Phylloscopus means leaf-gleaner, whereas trochilus comes from the Greek word for a Wren (Trokhilos). Interestingly, its earlier British name was Willow Wren.
Willow Warbler
Willow Warblers seemed to be singing from every bush and tree yesterday morning. They seem to arrive each spring just as the leaves are starting to appear and I think this one looks good among the fresh Alder foliage. Willow Warblers usually arrive about a week later than Chiffchaffs, and apparently Willow Warbler is about twice as common as Chiffchaff. In 2013 the UK population of Willow Warbler was estimated as 2.4 million pairs whereas Chiffchaff was a mere 1.2 million. Though still a very common summer migrant, Willow Warbler numbers have declined. They used to be abundant throughout Britain but the latest breeding Bird Atlas (2007-11) shows a worrying decline in abundance throughout England, but especially in the south. Numbers have held up in Wales and even appear to have increased in Scotland. Its scientific name is Phylloscopus trochilus. Phylloscopus means leaf-gleaner, whereas trochilus comes from the Greek word for a Wren (Trokhilos). Interestingly, its earlier British name was Willow Wren.