Bluethroat

Luscinia svecia (male)

Allow me to introduce you to the lovely (and aptly named) Bluethroat. These small members of the Flycatcher family have a very large range due to their migratory habits. They breed in Europe, Asia, and Alaska, but spend their winters in Africa and on the Indian subcontinent. In fact, they are one of the few birds that breed in North America but winter in Asia, and currently no one is exactly sure where the Alaskan birds specifically go to.

Only the males of the species have the namesake coloration. They have buff underparts, brownish-grey backs and wings, and vibrant blue and orange necks that are separated by black and white band. The blue to orange ratio changes depending on each birds location. For example, those who breeder further north have more orange than those who breeder further south. Females have the same black bands, brown wings, and buff undersides, but lack the colored throats.

Bluethroats live in open forests and scrublands where they hunt for insects either on the ground or while in flight. They build their nests on the ground. They lay 5-7 eggs at a time, and the chicks are helpless at birth.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Erueop, Asia, Africa
Size : Body length around 6in (15cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Muscicapidae -- Genus : Luscinia --Species : L. svecica

Image : Daniel Bastaja