The willow warbler is a very common and widespread leaf warbler which breeds throughout northern and temperate Europe and the Palearctic, from Ireland east to the Anadyr River basin in eastern Siberia. It is strongly migratory, with almost all of the population wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.
Region
Palearctic (breeding) and sub-Saharan Africa (wintering)
Typical Environment
Breeds widely across northern and temperate Europe and into northern Asia, from the British Isles and Scandinavia east to Siberia. Prefers light, open woodland, young plantations, scrub, heath, and willow/birch thickets, especially in early successional stages. During migration and in winter it uses savanna, woodland edges, riparian growth, and gardens across sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of the first long-distance migrants to pass through Europe in spring and among the last to depart in autumn.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Willow warblers are among the most widespread leaf warblers in the Palearctic, breeding from Ireland to eastern Siberia and wintering in sub‑Saharan Africa. They are easily confused with the chiffchaff but show paler legs, longer primary projection, and a more fluid, descending song. They often exploit recently regenerated habitats such as young birch and willow stands, riding population booms after forestry or fire. Their ground nests are dome-shaped and well camouflaged among low vegetation.
Egg, Collection Museum Wiesbaden, Germany
Temperament
active and restless
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, fluttering movements
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in loose associations during breeding, becoming more gregarious during migration and on wintering grounds. Builds a domed nest on or near the ground, usually well hidden in vegetation. Typically monogamous, with clutches of 5–7 eggs and both parents feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A sweet, rippling cascade that gently descends in pitch and tempo, delivered from low perches. Calls include a soft, disyllabic 'hoo-eet' and thin contact notes.
Plumage
Soft greenish-olive upperparts with yellowish buff underparts and whitish throat; fine, neat feathering with a clean pale eyebrow.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, aphids, and spiders, gleaned from leaves and twigs. Will also take small flies in short sallies. In late summer and autumn it supplements with berries and other soft fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shrubs, young trees, and canopy edges, often in birch and willow stands. Uses woodland margins, clearings, and hedgerows, and joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season.
