Desert Whitethroat

The lesser whitethroat, Curruca curruca, is a diminutive and widespread typical warbler, a member of the family Sylviidae. Exhibiting a grey back and whitish underparts, this small passerine bird is adorned with a grey head featuring a distinctive darker "bandit mask" through the eyes and a contrasting white throat.

Identification Tips

When observing the lesser whitethroat, look for its grey back and head, the stark white throat, and the dark eye mask that gives it a rather bandit-like appearance. It is slightly smaller than the common whitethroat and can be distinguished by the absence of chestnut wings and a uniform head-face color seen in the latter.

Habitat

This species favors fairly open country and cultivated areas, where large bushes provide nesting opportunities and trees are present.

Distribution

The lesser whitethroat breeds across temperate Europe, with the exception of the southwest, and extends its range into the western and central Palearctic. It is a strong migrant, wintering in Africa just south of the Sahara, in Arabia, and in India.

Behaviour

The lesser whitethroat is known for its strong migratory patterns. It builds its nest in low shrubbery or brambles, where it lays a clutch of 3 to 7 eggs.

Song & Calls

The song of the lesser whitethroat is a fast and rattling sequence of "tet" or "che" calls, which is quite distinct from the common whitethroat's scolding song.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily insectivorous, the lesser whitethroat also supplements its diet with berries and other soft fruits.

Conservation Status

The IUCN has classified the lesser whitethroat as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.