Each spring, one of the most enchanting sounds drifting through woodlands, parks and gardens is the gentle, cascading song of the willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), which sings its melodious song high from the tree canopy.

The willow warbler’s appearance is similar to the chiffchaff: both have olive-coloured plumage. The willow warbler has greenish upperparts, pale yellow underparts, and an off‑white belly which gives it a soft, understated beauty. A pale eyebrow stripe, known as a supercilium, adds to its gentle expression. Its distinct song helps tell them apart, though; while the chiffchaff repeats its sharp ‘chiff‑chaff,’ the willow warbler delivers a sweet, descending warble that is often considered one of the loveliest sounds of spring.