Crossing the desert barrier: Migration ecology of the Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca) at Eilat, Israel

► We studied the staging patterns of Lesser Whitethroat at Eilat, Israel. ► The number of birds ringed in spring was much higher than in autumn passage. ► In both seasons' adults were recorded earlier than juveniles. ► The body condition was better during autumn than spring. ► Birds for both age classes in spring passage displayed similar staging pattern.