Peculiar call of a Chiffchaff

[A McLee]

I reported a strangely calling bird ( believed to be a chiffchaff) in the Sightings today, but I appreciate that calls can vary within a species from individuals.
Does anyone have a view on the call which I reported?

[IanF]

I think this is the norm with them. I've certainly noted it regularly in previous years. I usually find when they first return that some can't seem to remember their song, simple as it is. You get the odd 'chiff' call and a few other strange whistling sounds. Several species do this. With other Warblers they start often start off with a partial song but after a day or two they're singing their full song.

[A McLee]

Thanks for that Ian. I shall tell it to come back when it has got its act together.