Mountain Chiffchaff

The Mountain Chiffchaff, also known as the Eastern Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus sindianus), presents itself as a modest leaf warbler, with the nominate subspecies donning browner upperparts and buff flanks, complemented by a finer, darker bill. Its counterpart, P. s. lorenzii, boasts a warmer and darker brown plumage.

Identification Tips

To distinguish the Mountain Chiffchaff, one should note its bill, which is finer and darker compared to the Siberian Chiffchaff. The upperparts are a shade of brown, while the flanks exhibit a buff coloration. The subspecies P. s. lorenzii is discernibly warmer and darker in its brown tones.

Habitat

This species is known to inhabit the mountainous regions of the Caucasus and Himalayas.

Distribution

The Mountain Chiffchaff graces the altitudes of the Caucasus and Himalayas, with two subspecies: P. s. lorenzii residing in the Caucasus and P. s. sindianus in the Himalayas.

Behaviour

As an altitudinal migrant, the Mountain Chiffchaff descends to lower elevations during the winter months. It is largely sympatric with the common chiffchaff in parts of the Western Caucasus, yet interbreeding is a rare event, if it occurs at all.

Song & Calls

The song of the Mountain Chiffchaff is a delightful echo of the common chiffchaff's tune. However, its call is a distinctive, weak "psew," setting it apart from its relatives.

Similar Species

The Mountain Chiffchaff is similar in appearance to the Siberian Chiffchaff but can be differentiated by its vocalisations and external morphology. Additionally, the two subspecies of the Mountain Chiffchaff exhibit distinct vocal differences.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Mountain Chiffchaff as Least Concern, indicating a stable population status.