This migratory warbler inhabits much of Europe, Asia and north Africa at various times during the year. They look a lot like Willow and Wood Warblers so you need to be vigilant where the ranges overlap. Although they have several field marks available to more advanced birders including primary projection, the easy tell is the tail wag they have. Here is a excerpt from Wiki: "The common chiffchaff also has rounded wings in flight, and a diagnostic tail movement consisting of a dip, then sidewards wag, that distinguishes it from other Phylloscopus warblers".
The below photo is from London, England but I have seen them in the south of France. The other way to be sure is to see them in the winter in England because the Willows and Woods are not there until the spring but the Chiffchaffs do winter in small numbers. The name Chiffchaff is onomatopoetic, meaning it is based on the call notes.
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