Common Whitethroat
Scientific Name: Sylvia communisMaltese Name: Bekkafik Ahmar
Family: Warblers and Allies (Sylviidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Common Whitethroat is a bird typical of open spaces with bushes and scrub. It has a pale bluish head, clear white throat, pale underside with a dull brown back. It also has chestnut panel on its wings and pale orange legs. Female is much duller and pinkish. It picks insects from foliage and also eats berries and seeds. It Is sometimes heard calling. It breeds almost throughout all of Europe except in far north. It makes a small cup of grass in low shrubs where it lays 4 or 5 eggs. The Common Whitethroat brings up two broods. In winter, it crosses the Sahara Desert to spend the winter in central Africa.
Status:
Common spring migrant and less evident in autumn. Influxes may occur in spring (late april/early may) with even up to 150+ birds recorded in one location.
When to See:
In Spring mainly from mid-April until mid-May. Best time is certainly last few days of April when large numbers may appear. In autumn is scarce appearing in low numbers in September and October.
Where to See:
Comino is certainly the best place to observe this bird as the small island supports its most looked for habitat. Can be seen in a wide range of habitats but is mostly recorded in valleys, garrigue and agricultural fields.
Photographs:
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Common Whitethroat, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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Common Whitethroat, Simar Nature Reserve |
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