Chiffchaff photographed at Grands Marais/Pre [PRE] on 3/4/2012 Photo: © Robert Martin (visit site)

Chiffchaffs are the commonest warbler species to breed in the Bailiwick. Breeding birds can be found in most habitats including large gardens, wooded valleys, in trees around the edge of fields and along coastal cliffs and escarpments. During the Breeding Bird Survey it was recorded as breeding in every square.

Small, but increasing, numbers overwinter in the islands and can be found in most wooded or scrub habitats. Although difficult to separate from wintering birds, Chiffchaffs are amongst the earliest spring migrants to arrive back in the Bailiwick. The first migrants arrive back in the islands during the first week in March and migration continues throughout March and April to the first week in May. Although difficult to quantify peak passage seems to occur in the second half of April

The return migration starts in August and peaks during September. Chiffchaffs continue to pass through in October and the odd bird of the tristis or abietinis race are observed or caught by ringers.