Willow Warbler

Habitat: The willow warbler is a typical species of the pioneer stages of woody vegetation. It occupies various habitats with shrubs or young trees (generally deciduous), both on dry and moist soils. A herbaceous or semi-shrub layer is always at least partially present. The species is therefore found in open areas after clear-cutting, in heaths, fens, on calcareous grasslands or spoil heaps with regrowing woody vegetation (especially willow, birch, rowan, alder and pine). It is found in shrubs along railways and roads, in young alder copses, and in meadows and marshes with willow, alder and birch coppice. It also breeds in sea buckthorn thickets on the coast, in coppice under light high-stemmed stands. Remarkably high densities occur in coppice of willow, birch, sea buckthorn and alder, as well as on certain heaths and fens that are evolving into forest. Coniferous stands, especially spruce, are avoided. In inhabited areas, where too many parks are unfavourable for it, the Fitis is rare (suitable shrub layer too limited, trees too tall, grasslands, overpopulation of predators introduced by humans).

Appearance: Common, widespread summer visitor in Europe. Migratory – passerine in large numbers.

Breeding season: April – July, nest on the ground, 4 – 8 eggs.

Characteristics: Length 10.5 – 12.5 cm, wingspan 16.5 – 22 cm, weight 6.5 – 12 grams, age 10 years.

Food: Small insects.