The bluethroat is a small migratory songbird that breeds across northern and central Europe and winters in north Africa. It is highly distinctive with its bright blue bib on the male and the red spots on the female’s throat. Bluethroats have several unique features that distinguish them from other similar passerines.
Physical Appearance
Bluethroats are relatively small birds, measuring 12.5–14 cm (5–5.5 in) in length and weighing 14–26 g (0.5–0.9 oz).
Males have a distinctive bright cobalt blue bib edged with successive black, white and chestnut borders. It contrasts sharply with the plain brown color on the rest of their body and wings. Females lack the bright blue bib and instead have a distinctive rusty red spot on the chin and upper throat.
Both sexes have a distinctive white supercilium (eyebrow stripe) above their eyes contrasting with the black lores. The tail is black with large white outer tail feathers which are conspicuous in flight.
Juveniles are more drab than adults with no blue bib or red throat spots. They can be identified by their pale supercilium and flesh-colored lower mandible.
Call and Song
Bluethroats produce a range of vocalizations but are best known for the distinctive clicking call of the males. It is produced by the snapping together of their bill parts and sounds like a double or triple tutting.
Males have a beautiful and complex song which they sing from an exposed perch during the breeding season. It is a warbling sequence of scratchy, breathy whistles, chatters and mimicked calls of other species.
Females sing a simpler version of the male song but lack the variety of imitations.
Plumage Variation
There are several subspecies of bluethroat across its breeding range which differ slightly in plumage:
- White-spotted bluethroat (L. s. cyanecula) – nominate race with white spots on outer tail feathers
- Red-spotted bluethroat (L. s. acredula) – red spots instead of white on tail
- White-bellied bluethroat (L. s. pallidogularis) – larger white throat patch
- Rufous-tailed bluethroat (L. s. magna) – rufous outer tail feathers
Habitat
During the breeding season, bluethroats are found in open scrubby areas with low vegetation, such as:
- Forest clearings
- Recently cleared or burnt areas
- Regenerating logged areas
- Scrublands with small thickets
- Overgrown fields
- Grassy or rocky mountain slopes
Proximity to water is key as they require damp ground for foraging. In winter they are found in wetlands, bushes and scrub near streams and swamps.
Migration
Bluethroats are long distance migrants, traveling between Europe and Africa twice each year. Migration takes place at night with birds covering 50–250 km per night.
Northward migration to the breeding grounds begins in late March and peaks in April/May. Southward migration occurs August–October.
Some key stopover regions include:
- Coastal North Africa
- Italian islands – Sicily, Sardinia and Capri
- Iberian Peninsula
- Mediterranean islands – Balearics, Corsica, Crete
Diet
Bluethroats are insectivorous and feed mainly on the ground. Their diet includes:
- Beetles
- Grasshoppers
- Crickets
- Spiders
- Caterpillars
- Ants
- Fly larvae
They will occasionally eat seeds and berries, especially before migration.
Breeding
Bluethroats breed between May and August across northern and central Europe as well as parts of northern Asia.
Males establish breeding territories as soon as they arrive and sing constantly to attract females. Territories are aggressively defended from intruders.
Nests are built close to the ground in dense vegetation. They are cup-shaped, made from grasses and lined with finer materials. The female alone builds the nest over 3-6 days.
Clutch size is 4-7 eggs which are pale blue with reddish-brown speckles. Incubation lasts 13-14 days and chicks fledge after 13-15 days.
Both parents feed the chicks. Males may care for the first brood while the female starts a second clutch.
Threats and Conservation
Bluethroat populations are currently stable and the species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However they do face some threats:
- Habitat loss from wetland drainage
- Disturbance on breeding grounds
- Climate change affecting migration timing and breeding
- Illegal trapping on African wintering grounds
Conservation priorities are protecting key wetland habitats and reducing trapping and hunting pressure during migration and winter.
Conclusion
In summary, the key features that distinguish bluethroats from other passerines are:
- Bright blue bib of the male
- Rufous throat spots of the female
- White supercilium
- Black and white patterned tail
- Distinctive clicking call
- Habitat preference for scrubby wetlands
- Long distance migration between Europe and Africa
Their beautiful plumage and songs make them a favorite species among birdwatchers across their range. Protecting wetland habitats will be crucial for ensuring the long term survival of bluethroat populations.