Greater Whitethroat

Sylvia communis

(S. c. icterops, S. c. communis)

Armenian Name:	Մոխրագույն շահրիկ

See Plate 50 for Greater Whitethroat and other similar species

Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Common
Length:	14 cm, Wing Span:18.5-23 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 282.
Description:	White throat, dark wings with brownish upperwing patch, white eyering, and pale legs.
Adult:	Male: S. c. icterops has a gray head and back; pale brown upperwing patch. S. c. communis has a pale gray head and brown-orange upperwing patch. Female of both subspecies: plainer with off-white underparts and gray-brown head.
Juvenile:	Similar to female but with dull edges to outertail feathers, dark iris, and browner wash on breast and flanks.
Similar Species:	Lesser Whitethroat and Menetries's Warbler.
Behavior:	Males sing from top of bush or in fluttering display flight.
Habitat:	Woodland edge and scrub up to subalpine zone; widespread on migration.
Food:	Invertebrates, berries.
Nest:	Cup of stems in shrub or tall plant.
Eggs:	18 mm, 4-5, olive-green, green and brown spots.