The Common Stonechat is a small, energetic passerine, with males easily identified by their black head, white collar, and rich orange-brown breast. It is a familiar sight in open, scrubby habitats.
Where to spot
Widespread across Europe, Asia, and Africa, inhabiting heathland, scrubland, grassland with scattered bushes, open fields, and coastal areas.
How to spot
Look for it perching prominently on the tops of bushes, tall grasses, or fence posts. Listen for its distinctive 'tsak-chak' call and its short, scratchy song. Watch for its characteristic tail-ficking.
When to spot
Year-round resident in milder climates, migratory in northern parts of its range (summers north, winters south). Active throughout the day.
Where to spot
Widespread across Europe, Asia, and Africa, inhabiting heathland, scrubland, grassland with scattered bushes, open fields, and coastal areas.
How to spot
Look for it perching prominently on the tops of bushes, tall grasses, or fence posts. Listen for its distinctive 'tsak-chak' call and its short, scratchy song. Watch for its characteristic tail-ficking.
When to spot
Year-round resident in milder climates, migratory in northern parts of its range (summers north, winters south). Active throughout the day.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Its name 'stonechat' comes from its call, which sounds like two stones being tapped together: 'tsak-chak'.
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