Iberian Chiffchaff

The Iberian chiffchaff, Phylloscopus ibericus, is a small, active leaf warbler with a distinctive olive-green hue. It is slightly larger and paler than its relatives, with a more olive-colored plumage that graces its form.

Identification Tips

This species can be identified by its brighter coloration, greener rump, and yellower underparts compared to its common chiffchaff counterpart. Observers should also note the bird's slightly larger size as a distinguishing feature.

Habitat

Endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and parts of North Africa, the Iberian chiffchaff is a bird of woodland and shrubland, favoring areas with a rich tapestry of leafy vegetation.

Distribution

The Iberian chiffchaff breeds in Portugal, Spain, and North Africa, west of a line from the western Pyrenees through central Spain to the Atlantic. It very rarely strays far from its established range.

Behaviour

This warbler is known for its active foraging behavior, flitting from leaf to leaf in search of sustenance. It is a seeker of leaves, as its genus name Phylloscopus—derived from Ancient Greek for "leaf" and "seeker"—aptly describes.

Song & Calls

The species' name, chiffchaff, is onomatopoeic, reflecting the repetitive chiff-chaff song that is characteristic of this group of birds. The Iberian chiffchaff's vocalizations are distinct from those of the common chiffchaff, providing an auditory clue to its identification.

Similar Species

The Iberian chiffchaff was once considered a subspecies of the common chiffchaff but has since been recognized as a separate species due to its distinct characteristics and genetic divergence.

Conservation status

The Iberian chiffchaff is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.