Lesser Whitethroat

Small brownish-gray warbler with a grayer head and broad dark mask that sets off the white throat. Lacks bright rusty wing patch of Greater Whitethroat. Varies subtly across wide range. Found in scrubby habitats, especially dense hedges with thorny bushes and trees. Skulking and difficult to see well; often located by scratchy chortling song that ends with a distinctive loud rattle. Gives dry ticking calls.

Habitat: Inhabits open woodland and scrub, feeding on insects and nectar, usually high in trees but also in bushes. Distribution: Common winter visitor to Pakistan and western peninsular and northern India south to north Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka.

What does the Lesser Whitethroat eat? Diet includes beetles, ants, flies, midges, caterpillars and some fruits, particularly elderberries and blackberries.