Slightly smaller than the similar Whitethroat, the dark cheek feathers contrast with the white throat and give it a 'masked' look. Overall a much greyer bird and lacks the rufous wings of Whitethroat. It is quite skulking and often only noticed when its gives its rattling song or 'tacking' call. When its flits from cover it shows white outer tail feathers (as does Whitethroat).

Whitethroat

It is a fairly secretive warbler which lives in areas of scrub and hedges and is best located by its song and calls.

It arrives back in the UK in April and May and males sing as soon as they arrive. They leave again in August and September.

It feeds on insects and on berries in autumn.

Found in England, Wales and S Scotland, but absent from upland areas.

Fairly common migrant breeder in Leicestershire and Rutland.