Stonechat in Belgium April, can this be a Siberian Stonechat or is it just the European one? (1 Viewer)

[MacBirdie]

This Stonechat looks a bit different from the usual ones I see in Belgium. The collar is longer, the bird is a bit darker and the red on the breast a bit less extensive. The rump looks white too. The female was flying close by but not 100% sure they are a couple. Can this be a Siberian Stonechat, Saxicola maura? (now called Eastern Stonechat S. maurus?) Thank you!

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello McBirdie,
There are some similar birds and threads here on Birdforum,
I was fooled by such a bird before, and got help by others. Equipped with this, I see similar birds like yours quite regular now during breeding season in Germany.
Therefore, I have I’d them as European Stonechats and think your bird is an European, too. Same for the female.

 

[MacBirdie]

Hello Alexander, vielen dank for the answer. I just kept wondering. And was hoping to learn a bit more. It's a bit confusing.

 

[lou salomon]

you'd need to see it's underwing coverts and especially axilliaries, macbirdie: siberians have black ones (axilliaries) and almost dark underwing coverts, european ones have grey axilliaries and dark brown underwing coverts with pale fringes, making them look paler.

 

[MacBirdie]

Thanks Lou! But unfortunately I am never quick enough to see that, let alone photograph it. The field guide doesn't show the possible variations. I'll just leave it as the common European Stonechat.