A nice memory of last spring, this male Bluethroat (Blauwborst; Blaukehlchen; Gorgebleue à miroir; Luscinia svecica), is around the size of our European Robin.

Bluethroats staying in Holland will typically be the white-spotted kind : Luscinia svecica cyanecula.

In northern European regions you may also find the red-spotted species : Luscinia svecica svecica. The white or red spot can be seen in the center of the bird's blue bib. (spot not visible here due to the angle of view)

I took the photo last May 2014 during the time the pair had a number of chicks. That means hard work for the adults, foraging for insects in and between bushes, reed and grass to be able to feed the chicks.

That hard work will ultimately start to show in the birds' plumage.
as you can see most feathers show wear around their edges …