Bluethroat

A stunning and secretive relative of the Robin. It is a summer visitor to Europe that breeds in wetland scrub and high-altitude heaths. There are 'red-spotted' and 'white-spotted' varieties. They are long-distance migrants that winter in Africa and Southern Asia.

Bluethroats often forage on the ground in dense vegetation for insects. In spring, the male sings from a prominent perch or during a short flight. His song is a spectacular performance that mimics other birds and mechanical sounds. When agitated, they cock their tails to show rusty-orange patches.