What is the typical leg colour difference separating Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff?
Answer
Willow Warblers almost invariably possess pale legs (pinkish/yellowish-brown), unlike the Chiffchaff's dark legs.
The colour of the legs is frequently highlighted as one of the most reliable physical markers for distinguishing the Willow Warbler (*P. trochilus*) from its close relative, the Chiffchaff (*P. collybita*). Willow Warblers are characterized by possessing pale legs, typically described as pinkish, pale brownish-pink, or yellowish-brown. This stands in distinct contrast to the Chiffchaff, which, in a typical comparison, usually exhibits dark, often blackish legs. While the text notes that leg colour is not absolute, especially in juveniles, it remains a stable identifier across seasons when plumage is subject to change.
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