Willow Warbler

🔍 Overview

A sweet-voiced migrant warbler, the Willow Warbler breeds in Sussex’s open scrub and young woodland during spring and summer.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Small (11 cm)

Plumage: Greenish-brown above, pale yellow underparts

Legs: Pale

Supercilium: Clear yellowish eye stripe

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Found in young woodland, scrub, and heathland—notably Cissbury Ring.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Melancholy, descending song. Distinct from Chiffchaff’s repetitive tone.

🍴 Diet

Insects, spiders, caterpillars.

📸 Birding Tip

Best located by song in spring; look for flitting movement in birch or willow.