What is the recommended first action when attempting to distinguish these warblers in the field?

Answer

Stop and listen for ten seconds

The quickest and often most reliable way to separate the two species is by sound first; the recommended strategy is to stop and listen for ten seconds to check for the distinct songs.

What is the recommended first action when attempting to distinguish these warblers in the field?

#Videos

Chiffchaff vs Willow Warbler. How To Tell The Difference. - YouTube

birdidentificationWillow Warbler