Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
Chiffchaff, Abu Dhabi, December 2011 - click for larger image

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
December 2010

The Chiffchaff breeds throughout most of Europe and across Asia to central Siberia. During the northern winter most populations migrate south to Africa north of the Equator, the Middle East and India.

Chiffchaff, Abu Dhabi, December 2011 - click for larger image There are three subspecies that are found in the UAE in winter. The most common is Scandinavian Chiffchaff P. c. abietinus. The nominate P. c. collybita is also common while the Siberian Chiffchaff P. c. tristis is a rare migrant and winter visitor. I think that photos 1 to 3 which are slightly paler are probably Scandinavian Chiffchaff while photo 4 with the bright yellow at the bend of the wing may well be Siberian Chiffchaff.

Chiffchaff, Abu Dhabi, December 2011 - click for larger image

Chiffchaff, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, December 2011 - click for larger image

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