Willow Warbler song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Willow Warbler, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

A distinctive, sweet, descending, and slightly melancholic cascade of notes, often described as 'hoo-weet hoo-weet hoo-weet-wit-wit-wit-woo-woo'. It starts strong and fades away towards the end. It is highly diagnostic.

Calls

A soft, plaintive 'hoo-eet' or 'hweet', often given as a contact call or alarm call. Also a sharper 'chiff' or 'whit' when agitated.

When they vocalize

Males sing frequently from arrival on breeding grounds in spring until late summer. Calls are given year-round, particularly when foraging or alarmed.

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