Willow Warbler
VU

Willow Warbler

Phylloscopus trochilus

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willow_warbler

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Willow Warbler faces significant population declines across its European breeding range, with numbers dropping by over 50% in many countries since the 1980s. Climate change is altering the timing of insect emergence in breeding areas, creating mismatches with peak chick-rearing periods. Habitat degradation in both breeding grounds and African wintering areas, combined with intensified agriculture reducing insect prey availability, compounds these pressures on this long-distance migrant.

Threat summary

Habitat

Willow Warblers breed in open woodlands, scrubland, parks, and gardens with dense understory vegetation across northern Europe and Asia. During winter, they occupy diverse habitats in sub-Saharan Africa including woodland edges, savanna, and cultivated areas.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Phylloscopidae

VU

Sombre Leaf-warbler

Phylloscopus amoenus

Unknown
Arctic WarblerEN

Arctic Warbler

Phylloscopus borealis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Willow Warbler classified as Vulnerable?
Willow Warbler is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Willow Warbler faces significant population declines across its European breeding range, with numbers dropping by over 50% in many countries since the 1980s. Climate change is altering the timing of insect emergence in breeding areas, creating mismatches with peak chick-rearing periods. Habitat degradation in both breeding grounds and African wintering areas, combined with intensified agriculture reducing insect prey availability, compounds these pressures on this long-distance migrant.
Where does Willow Warbler live?
Willow Warbler occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Willow Warbler?
The main threats to Willow Warbler are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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