ML643535098

Observation details

An odd bird that caused some confusion but is probably an aberrant 1st year Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita). It was remarkable for the following reasons : obviously pale looking (beige/brown and white with some buff feathering) in good light, striking broad creamy buff supercilium which appeared flared behind the eye from some vantage points , notably short primary projection (~30% ), short spiky bill seemingly held pointed upwards in some poses with a pale area at base of lower mandible, and dark pink legs that had a fleshy tone in some light conditions. The bird was silent at all times and behaved broadly like Common Chiffchaff although it rarely dipped its tail (and then only gently). I've attached a selection of photos of the bird.