Best time to see: mid Apr to early Oct

Key facts

Characteristic white throat and hurried scratchy song

Habitat: any area with thick brambles, bushes or overgrown hedges

Widespread and common summer visitor from sub-Saharan Africa

Recognition

White throat, grey crown, prominent rusty wings; 13–15 cm

Often perch on bush tops to sing; short, dancing, vertical song flight followed by parachuting descent Play

Feeds mainly on insects, also spiders, and berries in autumn

Lifecycle

Male often builds several 'trial' nests, before vigorous courtship display

Nest is a deep cup of grasses lined with hair and down, close to ground in cover

Usually 2 broods May to July; 4–5 pale buff eggs, speckled grey