The lesser whitethroat (Sylvia curruca) (pictured) can live in rugged habitats at the sunny edges of coniferous forests, as long as there are dense juniper stands or small spruces present. The lesser whitethroat does not need broadleaved shrub thickets like other warblers. The dryish song of the lesser whitethroat is reminiscent of a pea being shaken in a jar.
The whitethroat’s (Sylvia communis) plumage is similar in colour to the lesser whitethroat, but its head is lighter and its wings are rust brown. Its song is a cheerful, clattering verse that lasts for a few seconds. The whitethroat nests in the sunny edges of forests with low-growing shrubs, raspberry shrubs and rosebay willowherbs.
On the Pihlajasaari islands, whitethroats can typically be found in the copse of Itäinen Pihlajasaari, while lesser whitethroats are common in the hillside forests of Läntinen Pihlajasaari.
Whitethroat, photo Arne Ader.