The bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) breeding male has a blue throat, bordered below with black-white-chestnut bands. The female has a white throat and black-splashed necklace. The bluethroat is similar in size to the European robin. It is common, however, across Europe and Asia as well as the tundra of Alaska and the Yukon. Male Bluethroats from Alaska to northern Europe have red centres to the blue throat. Those in central and southern Europe have white throat centres or entirely blue throats. The male Bluethroat is quite striking with its blue and red throat and its flashing reddish tail. It very secretive and hard to see as it skulks through thick vegetation. When seen in the open, it often jerks or holds its tail up and quickly fans it open to flash the rufous patches at the base.
