Whitethroats

Whitethroats are small to medium-sized passerine birds belonging to the Old World warbler family, Sylviidae. The name "whitethroat" most commonly refers to two closely related species: the Common Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) and the Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca). Both species are migratory, spending their breeding seasons in Europe and western Asia and wintering in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, respectively.

The Common Whitethroat is characterized by its pale underside, a reddish-brown back, and a distinct white throat, which gives the bird its name. Males often have a greyish head and a pinkish wash on their breast, while females are duller. They inhabit scrubland, heathland, hedgerows, and the edges of woodlands, where they feed primarily on insects and spiders, supplementing their diet with berries and fruits, especially in late summer and autumn. Their song is a varied and often chattering melody, delivered from prominent perches.

The Lesser Whitethroat is similar in size but generally more uniform in colour, lacking the distinct markings of the Common Whitethroat. It typically has a grey-brown upperparts and a pale, buffy underside. A key distinguishing feature is a dark line through the eye, giving it a somewhat stern expression. Its preferred habitat includes dense bushes, gardens, and woodland edges. The Lesser Whitethroat's song is less melodious and more of a harsh, dry rattling. Both species build cup-shaped nests in low vegetation and lay clutches of eggs, which are incubated by both parents.