Greater whitethroat

Sylvia communis

Interesting facts: As a migratory bird, the greater whitethroat has its summer quarters in Central Europe and overwinters south of the Sahara. It is a tireless insect collector in hedges, fallow land and thorny undergrowth. The huge drop in the number of greater whitethroats can be attributed to a drought in the Sahel zone at the end of the 1960s. Also habitat destruction in the breeding area has not played an insignificant role.

Characteristics: Plumage upperside predominantly rust-brown, head grey with white throat, females less shiny; relatively long tail; hops mechanically on the ground

Body length: Less than 20 cm (sparrow length)

Distribution: Open landscape with plenty of thornbushes, hedgerows, embankments, wild gardens