From Opus

Photo by Rob
Photo taken: Netherlands.

Saxicola rubetra

[edit] Identification

12.5cm
It has a prominent white stripe above the eye. This bird is streaky brown above and warm orangish-buff on the breast. White wing patch and tail base. Black bill and legs.

[edit] Similar Species

European Stonechat:

[edit] Distribution

Breeds in upland areas of northern and western Britain with a few in Ireland. Winters in central and southern Africa.

Female
Photo by Steve G
Near Loch Venachar, The Trossachs, Scotland, June 2008

[edit] Taxonomy

Monotypic^[1]

[edit] Habitat

Breeds on damper areas of moors and heaths, particularly with low bushes, gorse etc. On passage may be seen on railway embankments and cultivated fields.

[edit] Behaviour

[edit] Movement

Hops or runs on the ground and often perches on top of low bushes. Flitting flight. Flycatches from perch.

[edit] Diet

The diet includes insects and their larvae, also seeds and berries.

Juvenile
Photo by IanF
Greenabella Marsh, Billingham, Cleveland, UK, August 2009

[edit] Breeding

The female builds a nest from dead grass and moss, lined with fine grasses and hair, usually on the ground among tall grass on moors and heaths. The 4-7 smooth, glossy, light greenish-blue with reddish-brown speckling eggs are incubated by the female for 13-14 days. Both adults feed the young, which fledge after a further 14 days.

[edit] Vocalisation

Calls: Short scolding 'tictic' and a 'tu-tic-tic' calls.
Song: A brief, rather metallic warbling.

[edit] References

1. Clements, JF. 2008. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2008. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
2. British Garden Birds
3. Wikipedia
4. Collins Bird Guide ISBN 0 00 219728 6
5. Collins Field Guide 5th Edition
6. Collins Pocket Guide to British Birds 1966

• List of references

[edit] External Links