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Latin name

Sylvia curruca

Family

Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)

Overview

Smaller than the similar whitethroat, the dark cheek feathers contrast with the white throat and give it a 'masked' look. It is quite skulking and often only noticed when its gives its rattling song, or 'tacking' call. When its flits from cover it shows white outer tail feathers.

Where to see them

Found in England, Wales and S Scotland, but absent from upland areas. It is a fairly secretive warbler which lives in areas of scrub and hedges and is best located by its song and calls.

When to see them

It arrives back in the UK in April and May and males sing as soon as they arrive. They leave again in August and September.

What they eat

Insects, and berries in autumn.

Estimated numbers

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

1 illustration

Lesser whitethroat

Similar birds

Whitethroat