The Canary Islands chiffchaff is a species of leaf warbler endemic to the Canary Islands, Spain. Sometimes the English name is spelled Canary Island chiffchaff.
Region
Macaronesia
Typical Environment
Occurs across wooded and shrubby habitats on the Canary Islands, from coastal scrub and agricultural mosaics to laurel forest and Canary pine forest. It frequents ravines, gardens, orchards, and edges where low vegetation and trees provide foraging surfaces. The species is adaptable and readily uses human-modified landscapes with hedges and groves. Denser understory and foliage near watercourses are especially favored. It is generally common wherever suitable cover exists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Formerly treated as a subspecies of the Common Chiffchaff, it is now recognized as a distinct species with a warmer-toned plumage and a different song. It is largely sedentary, remaining on the islands year-round. A historical Lanzarote taxon (exsul) is believed extinct, highlighting the species’ island-specific vulnerability.
Phylloscopus canariensis - MHNT
Temperament
active and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent darting and brief hover-gleaning
Social Behavior
Breeds in pairs with strong territoriality; the male sings from perches within dense cover. Nests are domed and placed low in shrubs or grasses, using fine plant material and feathers. Outside the breeding season small loose groups may form in rich foraging areas, often associating loosely with other small passerines.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively, varied series of quick notes and trills, more fluid and richer than the Common Chiffchaff’s song. Calls include soft tsip notes and sharper ticks, given frequently while foraging.
Plumage
Warm brown-olive upperparts with buffy to pale underparts and a slightly rufescent wash; fine-textured, smooth feathering typical of leaf warblers.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as aphids, caterpillars, beetles, small flies, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to catch flying insects. In lean periods it may take a little nectar or small berries.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the lower to mid canopy of shrubs and trees, especially in laurel forest understory, pine edges, gardens, and hedgerows. Often concentrates along sheltered ravines and vegetated stream margins where insect activity is high.
