Greater Whitethroat

One of the most distinctive features of the Greater Whitethroat, or Common Whitethroat, or just Whitethroat, is, well, yes, its white throat, but apart from that, it’s its tail. The tail is distinctively long; observably long, from a long way away. All I need is a hint of chestnut back and a swish of that long tail and I’m thinking it’s a Whitethroat before I’ve even caught a decent glimpse of it now.

There’s a problem, though.

Just like the Red Kite which is holding this territory and patrolling the airspace, which has only half a tail, this Whitethroat has only one decent tail feather left.

The other tail feathers are growing, but that’s scant consolation. I’m getting great views and the picture would be perfect; if only the bird was.

I’m sorry Whitethroat. You are perfect, really.