Similar in size to a Great Tit, they have a long tail, white throat and brown back with reddish streaks. Males have more grey on the head compared to the females which remains a light brown. You can often hear them before seeing as they make a raspy tacc, tacc call from within dense vegetation.
The Lesser Whitethroat is smaller, with a shorter tail and much more grey within the plumage. They have a grey-brown back which lacks the rufous colour seen in the Whitethroat.
During the breeding season, they feed on beetles, caterpillars, aphids and flies but in late summer, will forage on berries and other fruits.
Thick hedges, brambles, gorse and scrub, often alongside woodland edges. The male will build several nests until the female decides on one. They nest low to the ground and will often have two broods.
April - July.
Two years but the oldest recorded was seven.
Yes, they winter in arid areas of West Africa.
No, they are widespread but will avoid built up or mountainous areas.
April - May, males arrive before the females.
August - September.
