Canary Islands Chiffchaff

The Canary Islands chiffchaff (Phylloscopus canariensis), a species endemic to the Canary Islands, is a small, active leaf warbler. It bears a resemblance to its relatives, the common chiffchaff and the Iberian chiffchaff, but can be distinguished by its longer bill, shorter wings, and longer tail. The underparts exhibit a brownish-buff shade, particularly on the flanks and breast, while the upperparts are a darker brown compared to its common counterpart.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Canary Islands chiffchaff, look for its distinctive brownish-buff underparts and darker brown upperparts. The bird's longer bill and tail, as well as its shorter wings, are key characteristics that differentiate it from similar species.

Habitat

This bird is quite adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats across the Canary Islands, from coastal gardens to high-altitude vegetation. However, it tends to avoid the semi-desert scrub found at lower altitudes.

Distribution

The Canary Islands chiffchaff is found across the western Canary Islands, including El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. A subspecies once existed in the eastern Canary Islands, but it is now believed to be extinct.

Behaviour

During the breeding season, from January to June, the Canary Islands chiffchaff is territorial and can be observed either singly or in pairs. Post-breeding, they become more sociable and may form small flocks. They are known for their frenetic foraging behavior, often flicking their wings and tails as they search for insects among foliage from the ground to the tree canopy.

Song & Calls

The calls of the Canary Islands chiffchaff are similar to those of the common chiffchaff, but its song is distinctively harsher, shorter, more varied, and delivered at a faster pace, lacking the metronomic quality of its relative.

Breeding

The breeding period sees the Canary Islands chiffchaff constructing spherical nests with side entrances, placed near the ground in coastal scrub or higher in laurisilva. Clutches typically contain 2-5 eggs, and most pairs are capable of producing three broods in a season. The post-breeding moult is usually completed by late July.

Similar Species

The Canary Islands chiffchaff can be confused with the common chiffchaff and the Iberian chiffchaff. However, its longer bill, shorter wings, longer tail, and the distinctive coloration of its plumage set it apart.

Diet and Feeding

This bird primarily feeds on insects, which it actively forages for among the foliage, employing various techniques such as hovering, gleaning, and flycatching.

Conservation status

The Canary Islands chiffchaff is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction.