Icterine warbler (!)

Hippolais icterina

Interesting facts: Even at the start of the last century, the icterine warbler was still very common in orchards and areas with plenty of bushes in summer. Today, the slim, yellow bird is rarely seen. It’s known fondly among birdspotters as “icky”. Its song is very variable and loud. It is made up of whistling and twittering tones, interwoven with imitations of the widest range of bird species. No cuckoo can lay an egg in an icterine warbler nest - the bird immediately recognises it and throws it out.

Characteristics: Plumage upperside grey-green coloured, underside intense yellow, on the head a light lore stripe; long, orange-coloured beak

Body length: Less than 20 cm (sparrow length)

Distribution: Sparse deciduous and mixed forests, copses, lowland forests, parks with a lot of undergrowth

Song: In its rapidly recited, diverse song it imitates many calls and song choruses of other bird species (Name!), including common buzzard, red-backed shrike, greater whitethroat, etc.