Greater Whitethroat

The Common Whitethroat, known scientifically as Curruca communis, is a delightful small passerine bird belonging to the typical warbler family. It is a migratory species, breeding across Europe and parts of temperate western Asia, and spending the winter months in the warmer climes of tropical Africa, Arabia, and Pakistan.

Identification Tips

Adult males of the species can be identified by their grey heads and striking white throats, which stand out against their predominantly brown and buff plumage. The secondary feathers of their wings have a distinctive chestnut fringe. Females, while similar in body coloration, lack the grey head and their throats are less vivid.

Habitat

The Common Whitethroat favors open landscapes and cultivated areas that provide ample shrubbery for nesting. Brambles and low shrubs are typical sites for their nests.

Distribution

This species has a broad range, with four recognized subspecies occupying various regions. They breed from Europe to north Turkey and north Africa, with wintering grounds in west and central Africa. Other populations are found breeding in southeast European Russia, west Siberia, north Kazakhstan, central Turkey to Turkmenistan and Iran, and the central Asian mountains, all migrating to east and south Africa for the winter.

Behaviour

These birds are known for their insectivorous diet, although they will not shy away from berries and other soft fruits. Their feeding strategies and moulting patterns are adapted to make the most of the available food supplies before they embark on their migratory journeys.

Song & Calls

The song of the Common Whitethroat is a rapid and scratchy melody with a somewhat scolding tone. Its call is a hoarse, slightly nasal sound, reminiscent of 'wed-wed' or 'woid-woid'. When alarmed, they emit a rough, drawn-out 'tschehr', similar to that of the Dartford Warbler.

Breeding

Nests are constructed within shrubs or brambles, where the female lays a clutch of 3–7 eggs. Both parents are involved in raising the young.

Similar Species

The Lesser Whitethroat may be confused with the Common Whitethroat due to their similar names and some physical characteristics, but they are not closely related and can be distinguished by their different calls and habitat preferences.

Diet and Feeding

The Common Whitethroat primarily feeds on insects, but it also consumes berries and soft fruits, especially when preparing for migration.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Common Whitethroat as Least Concern, indicating that the species is currently not at significant risk of decline.