Lesser Whitethroat
The Lesser Whitethroat is a typical warbler in the Sylvia genus. Unlike many warblers in its genus, the sexes are almost identical. It is a small bird with a grey back, whitish underparts, a grey head with a darker "bandit mask" through the eyes and a white throat. It is slightly smaller than the Common Whitethroat and lacks the chestnut wings and uniform head and face colour of that species.
The Lesser Whitethroat can be hard to see and it is often only noticed when it gives its fast and rattling song or “tacking” alarm call.
The Lesser Whitethroat is common and widespread and breeds in temperate Europe and in the west and central Palearctic. It is usually found in fairly open country with scattered trees and large bushes and scrub for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in Africa just south of the Sahara, Arabia and India.
In the UK, the Lesser Whitethroat can be seen from mid-April to mid-October in England, Wales and south Scotland but it is absent from upland areas.
Like most warblers, the Lesser Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also take berries and other soft fruit to build up fat reserves before migration.
Date: 11th May 2023
Location: Laindon, Essex
The Lesser Whitethroat can be hard to see and it is often only noticed when it gives its fast and rattling song or “tacking” alarm call.
The Lesser Whitethroat is common and widespread and breeds in temperate Europe and in the west and central Palearctic. It is usually found in fairly open country with scattered trees and large bushes and scrub for nesting. It is strongly migratory and winters in Africa just south of the Sahara, Arabia and India.
In the UK, the Lesser Whitethroat can be seen from mid-April to mid-October in England, Wales and south Scotland but it is absent from upland areas.
Like most warblers, the Lesser Whitethroat is insectivorous but it will also take berries and other soft fruit to build up fat reserves before migration.
Date: 11th May 2023
Location: Laindon, Essex
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Also in: Warblers
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