Common chiffchaff, Germany (© Andyworks/Getty Images)

Small, lively and instantly recognisable by its call: the chiffchaff is one of Germany's most common songbirds and a true harbinger of spring. As early as late February, the first males return from their winter quarters in the Mediterranean or south-western Europe and begin their distinctive song, which gives the species its name. This clear 'chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff' makes it easy to locate, even when it remains hidden in dense vegetation.