The Bluethroat is a beautiful small bird from the thrush family distinguished by its bright blue throat plumage (that refers males only) and likewise bright vocals. Locals say that a Bluethroat has a bell in its throat and that it can sing one hundred different songs. During wintertime, they prefer to stay around wetlands, whereas for summer breeding season they choose mountainous areas of Sierra de Guadarrama and Sierra Norte.
The beginning of their breeding season must be the best time for a colourful bluethroat watching experience. The first to arrive in the mountains are males. They are spotted there already in March, though most come in early April. Shortly after the arrival, they are to occupy areas for nesting, and they fight for the best places for themselves. That's when you can hear their loud performances announcing that a certain area is already occupied.
In fact, spring is limited to male bluethroat watching. After mating, females remain discrete, throughout spring they are occupied in the nesting. They finally reveal themselves when they start hunting for their newly hatched chicks. Generally, they are not as easily spotted—unlike males, they don't have blue colouring on the throat.
Practical info
When is the best time to watch Bluethroats in Madrid?
Bluethroats in Madrid can be best observed from March to May, the breeding season. Spotting them is easier as males arrive in Sierra de Guadarrama and Sierra Norte to occupy areas for nesting and make loud performances to announce their territory. These performances don't last long, so the best chances of seeing them are in the morning or late afternoon. The rest of the year, they remain around wetlands. Show more
Where can I find Bluethroats in Madrid?
During the winter season, Bluethroats can be observed around wetlands in Madrid. In summer, Bluethroats move to the mountains of Sierra de Guadarrama and Sierra Norte for their breeding season. Visitors have higher chances of watching them during their breeding season as males occupy the area for nesting, making their territorial performances. Females, however, remain attentive to nesting and do not show themselves. Show more
How can I identify male and female Bluethroats?
Male Bluethroats are easy to spot with their blue throat plumage, while females are a bit harder to see since they don't have the blue coloring on their throat. Additionally, male Bluethroats vocalize louder and more distinctively during the breeding season to attract females and establish their territory. In contrast, females remain hidden during this period as they are busy with nesting. Show more
What is the significance of the Bluethroat's blue throat plumage?
The blue throat plumage of the Bluethroat serves as a way for males to attract females during their breeding season. This bright blue color is thought to be a sign of the males' genetic quality and overall health. However, it is only applicable to males since females don't have the blue coloring on their throat. Observing the male's blue plumage is a fantastic way to spot and identify Bluethroats in Madrid. Show more
Do Bluethroats migrate to Madrid or are they native to the area?
Bluethroats are not native to Madrid but migrate to the area during the winter season. During this time, they are found around wetlands. However, for the summer breeding season, they move to the mountainous areas of Sierra de Guadarrama and Sierra Norte. The breeding season is much easier to observe than the winter season since males fight for territory and perform loudly. Although they might be seen during the winter, it is during their breeding season that Bluethroats are a must-see. Show more
