Whitethroat

2007 Schools Wikipedia Selection. Related subjects: Birds

iWhitethroat
Conservation status
Least Concern (LC)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae Genus: Sylvia Species: S. communis
Binomial name
Sylvia communis Latham, 1787

The Whitethroat, Sylvia communis, is a common and widespread Old World warbler which breeds throughout Europe and across much of temperate western Asia.

This small passerine bird is strongly migratory, and winters in tropical Africa, Arabia and India.

This is a bird of open country and cultivation, with bushes for nesting. The nest is built in low shrub or brambles, and 3-7 eggs are laid.

Although most warblers have the sexes identical, several Sylvia species have distinct male and female plumages. This is a small warbler, mainly brown above and buff below. The wings are chestnut. The adult male has a grey head and a white throat. The female lacks the grey head, and the throat is duller. Like most warblers, it is insectivorous, but will also take berries and other soft fruit.

The Whitethroat's song is fast and scratchy, with a scolding tone.