Odd chiffchaff song – North East UK (1 Viewer)

[MalR]

While I'm aware that "our" chiffchaffs don't always stick to the classic "chiff-chaff-chiff-chaff" song, I haven't heard one like this individual which I came across today. In particular, I was struck by a regularly repeated three or four-note phrase.

Apologies for the awful angle of the still image. I assume this is just a collybita, but I'd be interested to know if anyone has encountered this particular song variation.

Malcolm

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello,
thanks for sharing this interesting bird. This might well be an Iberean Chiffchaff, there are examples of "Mimicry of the Common Chiffchaff, song, subsong" in xeno-canto, that are resembling this bird.
I have heard one mixed singer Willow Warbler x Chiffchaff before and your bird doesnt remind me of this, it is also no "classic" Iberean CC to me, but I am far from beeing an expert in this case.

Maybe you can go out and try to relocate this bird? I am sure, many birders would like to get expert opinions about this bird.

 

[MalR]

Thank you, Alexander. I've also heard a bird with a Willow Warbler x Chiffchaff type song before, but nothing like this bird today. Like you, I am far from an expert in these matters, which is why I was interested in hearing the opinions of others.

Malcolm

 

[CARERY]

I'm not familiar with all variation/mimicry of Iberian C but I've heard Common C utter all kinds of crazy combinations of their song elements. I can't hear an Iberian here...

 

[KenM]

I’ve certainly heard the odd maverick Chiffy (in the past), singing in a not dissimilar style Malcolm.

Cheers

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Thanks Roland and Ken to jump in. Yes, I heard many odd Chiffchaffs, too. And as said, I have not heard many Iberians before.
But I have heard presumed Iberians (including one with the right call) including parts of the (to my ear) quite good Chiffchaff-song in Spain in France (but my main experience is from regions where hybridisation with Chiffchaff is occuring).

And as Iberian has become an annual vagrant in Germany I have listened to the recordings in xeno-canto to be prepared, and please hear these birds:

XC632480 Iberian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus ibericus)

www.xeno-canto.org

XC397676 Iberian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus ibericus)

Most typical song phrases from 0:27. First record in Dakar region it seems, though it's probably regular here.

www.xeno-canto.org

XC320279 Iberian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus ibericus)

Iberian chiffchaff? (Germany, Fehmarn)

www.xeno-canto.org

XC142768 Iberian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus ibericus)

Probable confilict song

www.xeno-canto.org

They reminded me of this bird here, but as said, I am not the expert and my wish for others to jump in has become true. And you are right, this bird starts with a very good Chiffchaff-song, but it sill has a Iberian Chiffchaff quality, when comparing to the xeno-canto recordings, that the strange Chiffchaffs, I heard since I searched for Iberians in Germany, lacks. Reason? Dont know.

Thanks Roland and Ken again!

 

[MalR]

I’ve certainly heard the odd maverick Chiffy (in the past), singing in a not dissimilar style Malcolm.

Cheers

Thanks, Ken. As I said in my original post, I've never encountered this weird song variation before, but I suspected it was just some strange take on the basic Colliybita song. That's why I was hoping to hear from more experienced birders/observers like yourself. Your input is much appreciated. 👍

Malcolm