Lesser Whitethroat

The lesser whitethroat, Curruca curruca, is a diminutive and agile typical warbler, a member of the Sylviidae family. Exhibiting a subtle elegance, this small passerine bird is characterized by a grey back, whitish underparts, and a grey head adorned with a distinctive darker "bandit mask" through the eyes. Its throat is a pristine white. The species is slightly more petite than the common whitethroat and can be distinguished by the absence of chestnut wings and a uniform head-face coloration found in the latter.

Identification Tips

When observing the lesser whitethroat, look for its grey upperparts and the clean white of its underparts. The head is also grey, but with a darker mask that extends through the eyes, providing a striking contrast. The white throat is a key feature for identification. This species is smaller than the common whitethroat and lacks the chestnut wing patches that are present in its common relative.

Habitat

The lesser whitethroat favors fairly open landscapes, often found in areas of cultivation that provide large bushes suitable for nesting and trees for perching and foraging.

Distribution

This bird has a broad breeding range across temperate Europe, with the exception of the southwest, and extends into the western and central Palearctic. It is a strong migrant, retreating to Africa just south of the Sahara, Arabia, and India to overwinter.

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 rapid, rattling sequence of "tet" or "che" calls, which is quite distinct from the scolding song of the common whitethroat.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily insectivorous, the lesser whitethroat also adapts its diet to include berries and other soft fruits when available.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List 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.

Similar Species

The common whitethroat is a similar species but can be differentiated by its larger size, chestnut wing patches, and the lack of a contrasting grey head with a darker eye mask.