Stonechat

At first sight, the stonechat (Saxicola torquata) might be mistaken for a robin (the European variety), as it is about the same size and has a distinctly orange-red breast. However, a closer look shows that the two birds are very different.

Habitat

Stonechats inhabit heaths, commons, moors and coastal areas, particularly areas of gorse. They are quite often seen around links golf courses in the west of England, Wales and Scotland. They will often perch at the tops of low bushes, with head upright, flicking their wings and tail. Males will do this at the start of the breeding season, singing their spring song.

Although resident in the United Kingdom, they may winter in areas away from their breeding grounds, such as fields and meadows further inland, or on the east coasts of England and Scotland. Elsewhere in Europe, birds may migrate between central countries and Mediterranean regions.

Appearance and behaviour

The stonechat is, at 12-13 centimetres (5 inches) long, slightly smaller than the robin, and the male birds have much darker heads, backs and wings. There is also a prominent white area at either side of the neck. The females are much lighter in colouring, with smaller neck patches, although they also have a reddish tinge to the chest. After the summer moult the males’ colouring is much less pronounced, with brown replacing the black, and they are more difficult to distinguish from the females.

The wings are short, and the stonechat typically perches with a very upright stance.

The name “stonechat” comes from its highly distinctive call, which sounds like two stones being knocked together.

Breeding and feeding

The nest is built in gorse or thick cover, from roots and stalks lined with animal hairs and other soft material, often so that overhanging vegetation forms a kind of roof. Five or six eggs are laid any time from April to early August, with up to three broods being possible in a season. The female incubates the eggs alone, this taking around 14 days. The young stay in the nest for around 12-13 days, but will then leave and hide among stones or grass not far away, only fledging a few weeks later.

Stonechats feed on a variety of insects, worms, larvae, spiders, seeds and berries, particularly blackberries in late summer.

© John Welford