Chiffchaff

Description:

In the breeding season any Chiffchaff found here is likely to be P. ibericus but at the time these photos were taken P collybita are likely to have started arriving for winter. Until recently P. ibericus was a sub-species but it has recently been elevated to a full species by many authorities. Since it is virtually impossible to tell the difference from a photo, the song being the most reliable identifier, it is best to leave it as named to cover all species.

Habitat:

Coastal lagoon and wetland reserve. The lagoon is supposedly freshwater, fed by a river which sometimes breaks through the narrow sand barrier into the sea which also allows salt water to get in. A system of bunds is supposed to stop salt water reaching all parts. There is also a large area of open ground which is home to numerous ground feeding birds and provides a suitable roosting area for numerous other birds.