- Wildlife
- Birds
- Tits, goldcrests and warblers
- Lesser Whitethroat
Jonathan Osborne
About
The Lesser Whitethroat is a medium-sized warbler of dense scrub and woodland edges. A summer visitor, it arrives in April and begins in sing immediately; a secretive bird, it is actually best located by its rattling, monotonous song. Lesser Whitethroats winter in Africa, leaving our shores in September and heading east around the Mediterranean, rather than through Gibraltar like most migrating birds from the UK.
How to identify
Male and female Whitethroats are very similar, being greyish-brown above and creamy-grey below, with a grey head and darker grey mask, white throat and white chest. The Lesser Whitethroat can be distinguished from the larger Whitethroat by its darker face mask, plain grey-brown wing feathers, whiter chest and shorter tail.
Where to find it
Widespread summer visitor to England and Wales and southern Scotland. Absent from Northern Ireland.
Habitats
When to find it
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
How can people help
The Wildlife Trusts manage many grassland and woodland nature reserves sympathetically for Lesser 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.