The Common Chiffchaff breeds throughout most of Europe and into Siberia and northern Iran. Most populations are migratory and move south from these breeding areas to winter round the Mediterranean, Africa and northern India.

They arrive in their breeding areas in March-April and move south over a longish period starting in August. See the distribution map at Birdlife International.

They are very similar to Willow Warbler and the best diagnostic feature is their song: "chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff". Visually look for the dark legs.