Whitethroat | Reserves and species

Scientific Name:

Sylvia communis

The Whitethroat is a medium-sized, long-tailed warbler of grassland, scrub and hedgerows. It is a summer visitor and passage migrant, breeding in many areas but avoiding urban and mountainous places. Males Whitethroats build nests out of twigs and roots and the females then decide which to take. Whitethroats winter in Africa, leaving our shores in early October and heading as far south as South Africa.

How to identify:

Male Whitethroats are sandy-grey above, with orange fringes to the wing feathers, a pale grey head, pinkish-buff breast and bright white throat. Females are duller. They can be distinguished from the smaller, Lesser Whitethroat by the rusty brown edges to their wing feathers, pinky chest and longer tail.

Where to find it:

A widespread summer visitor.

How people can help:

During the 1960s, Whitethroats sustained heavy losses as their wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa suffered major drought - breeding Whitethroats suffered a 90% drop in the UK. Numbers have not fully recovered yet, but are on the up. The Wildlife Trusts manage many grassland and woodland nature reserves sympathetically for Whitethroats and other bird species. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you'll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and be helping local wildlife along the way.

Statistics:

Length: 14cm Wingspan: 20cm Weight: 16g Average Lifespan: 2 years

Conservation status:

Classified in the UK as an Amber List species under the Birds of Conservation Concern review.

Did you know?:

Male Whitethroats arrive in the UK about 10 days earlier than females in order to set up territories before the females arrive.

Seasons:

Spring

Summer

Autumn

When to see

Start date:

April

End date:

October

Image: