Whitethroat (Sylvia communis)
Whitethroats are small birds, similar in size to Robins. They have bulky bodies, long tails, rusty-brown wings and yellow-brown legs. In spring males have a grey head, pinkish breasts and white throats. Females and juveniles are much duller than males.
Habitat
Whitethroats are birds of open spaces, but require scrub and overgrown hedgerows for cover.
Behaviour
Whitethroats are migratory birds from tropical Africa, visiting Britain in summer. They often sing in flight, but also sing from their perches in bushes. Males are territorial and often mate with two females, which lay 4-5 eggs.
Feeding
Whitethroats feed on beetles, aphids, caterpillars and flies. They will also eat fruit, such as berries.
Voice
Their call is a distinctive vedd-vedd-vedd, and in alarm a harsh charrr. Their song is a short, scratchy warble.