This species occurs in summer around the Mediterranean, through western Europe and extending into northwest Africa.

They together with the lesser whitethroat group seem to form a distinct clade of typical warblers.

The species therein do not appear much alike at first glance, but they all have prominent white throats, lack rufous wing-patches, and usually having dark sides to the head.

The male has a dark grey head, black eye mask, and white throat.

Females and immatures have a paler head and buff underparts; their grey back has a brownish tinge.