Lesser Whitethroat

Sylvia curruca

(S. c. caucasica, S. c. althaea)

Armenian Name:	Մորու շահրիկ

See Plate 50 for Lesser Whitethroat and other similar species

Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Uncommon
Length:	12.5-13.5 cm, Wing Span:16.5-20.5 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 283.
Description:	Grayish warbler with short wings and tail and dark gray legs; faint pale supercilium in fall. Male: S. c. caucasica is brownish-gray above with gray head and blackish ear coverts. S. c. althaea is larger and darker, with blackish upper head. Females of both subspecies are paler overall.
Similar Species:	Greater Whitethroat, Orphean Warbler, Garden Warbler, Menetries's Warbler.
Behavior:	Males sing rattling song from cover of bushes.
Habitat:	Hot dry scrub; widespread on migration.
Food:	Invertebrates, berries.
Nest:	Cup of dry grass in low tree or shrub.
Eggs:	17 mm, 4-6, white, gray spots.