Common Whitethroat

The common whitethroat (Curruca communis) is a small passerine bird found throughout Europe, Western Asia, and parts of Africa. It is recognizable by its greyish-brown back, white throat, and chestnut wings. Measuring about 12.5–14 cm (4.9-5.5 in) in length with a wingspan of 18–22 cm (7.1-8.7 in), the common whitethroat weighs between 12–18 grams (0.42-0.63 oz). Males exhibit a distinctive grey head and a rufous panel in the wings, while females and juveniles are generally duller with a brownish-grey head.

Compared to the similar lesser whitethroat (Curruca curruca), the common whitethroat is larger with a more robust bill, has a more pronounced rufous coloration on the wings and lacks the well-defined dark facial mask of the lesser whitethroat. Additionally, the common whitethroat’s song is scratchier and more complex than the monotonous rattle of the lesser whitethroat.

The common whitethroat inhabits open woodlands, scrublands, hedgerows, and gardens. It thrives in areas with dense shrubbery and is particularly associated with bramble thickets and similar vegetation. Its diet consists primarily of insects and other small invertebrates during the breeding season, but it shifts to a diet rich in berries and other fruits in the late summer and autumn. This change in diet aligns with its migratory preparation, increasing its fat reserves. The common whitethroat typically forages by gleaning insects from foliage or by flycatching, often performing short sallies into the air to catch its prey.

The common whitethroat is a migratory bird, traveling from its breeding grounds in Europe and Western Asia to wintering areas in sub-Saharan Africa. Migration begins in late August to early September and the birds return to their breeding territories in April or May. The species undertakes a considerable journey of up to 5,000 kilometers, navigating across the Mediterranean and the Sahara Desert. Its migratory routes are influenced by prevailing weather conditions and geographical barriers, which can cause significant variations in timing and pathways among different populations.

Breeding for the common whitethroat begins in late April and continues through July. Males establish territories and attract females with their distinctive songs and display flights, which include a characteristic up-and-down fluttering motion. Nests are typically constructed in dense shrubbery or hedgerows, composed of grasses, leaves, and lined with finer materials such as hair and feathers. The female lays 4–5 eggs, which are pale greenish or bluish-white with fine reddish-brown spots. Incubation is carried out primarily by the female and lasts for about 11–13 days. Both parents participate in feeding the nestlings, which fledge approximately 11–14 days after hatching. Fledglings remain dependent on the parents for food for several weeks post-fledging.

The common whitethroat is classified as least concern by the IUCN Red List, reflecting its widespread distribution and mostly stable to increasing population trend. However, local population declines have been noted, primarily due to habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices that reduce the availability of suitable nesting sites and food resources. The species is also vulnerable to adverse conditions along its migratory route, such as severe weather and habitat degradation in its wintering grounds.