Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus ibericus)
Length: 10 to 11cm Wingspan: 15 to 21cm Weight: 6 to 9g
Lifespan: up to 5 years.
Family: Sylviidae.
This is the Iberian Chiffchaff which has a greener and brighter coloured rump, being confined to Portugal and Spain. This species terrain overlaps with the Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), in some parts of North-Eastern Spain, onto the Mediterranean coastline. Phylloscopus ibericus winters in the West African countries and is seen nearly all year round in Southern Spain. The Iberian Chiffchaff apparently has the oldest ancestry, of Chiffchaffs. Only recently in the late 1990’s has this species of Chiffchaff been recognised being different from the Common Chiffchaff, not just in slight colour and marking variations, but also, size of wings, tail and slight distinctions of behaviour, has also been evident.
Habitat: Well vegetated areas giving plenty of ground cover, especially woodlands, thick hedgerows beside water, such as thickets beside lakes and ponds being a favourite.
Breeds mainly in open woodland, same as common Chiffchaff the male will have little input in nesting, it is mostly down to the female to raise the chicks; the male will spend most of his time defending his patch against rivals, and will be aggressive against potential predators.
Feeding: Will feed amongst the leaves and stems of trees and hedges, for insects and spiders.
Nesting: 5 to 6 eggs, usually 2 broods, April to July. (Maybe earlier and later, here in Southern Spain).
Chiffchaff’s sing more noticeably in the early and latter months, of the year.