Pronunciation: [lˈɛsə wˈa͡ɪtθɹə͡ʊt] (IPA) 
The lesser whitethroat is a small bird species found in Europe and Asia. Its name is spelled /ˈlɛsər ˈwaɪθroʊt/, using the International Phonetic Alphabet to represent the sounds of the word. The "less-er" part is pronounced with a short "e" as in "bet", while "whitethroat" is pronounced with a long "i" as in "ice". Overall, the spelling of the word accurately represents the sounds of the lesser whitethroat's name.
The Lesser Whitethroat, scientifically known as Sylvia curruca, is a small passerine bird belonging to the warbler family, Sylvia. It is primarily found throughout Europe, parts of Asia, and into North Africa during the breeding season, while migrating to sub-Saharan Africa during winter.
Distinctive in appearance, the Lesser Whitethroat measures around 12 centimeters in length and has a wingspan of approximately 20 centimeters. The adult male has a silver-gray upper body accented with a white throat and chest, giving it its common name. Its underparts are pale pinkish-brown, and it has a short, strong black bill. The female is slightly duller and has a more subdued appearance compared to the male.
This species inhabits a wide range of habitats, including woodland, scrubland, hedgerows, and parks. It is known for its remarkable ability to navigate through dense vegetation, where it often feeds on insects, spiders, and occasionally berries. The Lesser Whitethroat has a distinctive song, consisting of a series of scratchy notes and a trilling sequence, which it utilizes to establish territory and during courtship.
During the breeding season, the Lesser Whitethroat constructs a cup-shaped nest using twigs, grass, and hair, which is discreetly positioned in low bushes or shrubs. The female typically lays a clutch of four to five eggs that require an incubation period of approximately 11 to 14 days. Both parents contribute to caring for the nestlings, feeding them with insects until they fledge after about two weeks.
The Lesser Whitethroat is a migratory bird, embarking on long-distance flights between its breeding and wintering grounds. These journeys can span thousands of kilometers, and it is notably one of the last migrant
The word "lesser whitethroat" is a combination of two terms: "lesser" and "whitethroat".
1. "Lesser": This term comes from the Old English word "lǣssa" meaning "smaller" or "inferior". It eventually evolved into "lesser" in Middle English, which retained the meaning of something smaller or of lesser importance.
2. "Whitethroat": This term refers to a type of bird, commonly known as the "whitethroat". The term "whitethroat" is a compound noun made up of "white" and "throat". It describes the distinctive white-colored throat patch found in the bird.
When combined, "lesser whitethroat" refers to a smaller or inferior species of the whitethroat bird. It is a common bird species with a grayish appearance and a pale whitish throat.
