European Stonechat

15 hours ago door Bert

Spotted

The European Stonechat is a small, active bird known for its distinctive 'stone-tapping' call, resembling two stones being tapped together. Males are easily identified by their black head, white neck patch, and orange-red breast.

Where to spot

Widespread across Europe, Northwest Africa, and the Middle East. Found in open habitats with scattered bushes, such as heathland, coastal dunes, clear-felled areas, and rough grassland.

How to spot

Listen for its 'tschack' call, and look for it perched conspicuously on low vegetation, often bobbing its head and tail. Males have a striking black head, white neck sides, and orange breast. Females are browner with less distinct markings.

When to spot

Can be observed year-round in many parts of its range where it is resident. Migratory populations are best seen during breeding (April-August) and migration (March-April, September-November).

Where to spot

Widespread across Europe, Northwest Africa, and the Middle East. Found in open habitats with scattered bushes, such as heathland, coastal dunes, clear-felled areas, and rough grassland.

How to spot

When to spot

Can be observed year-round in many parts of its range where it is resident. Migratory populations are best seen during breeding (April-August) and migration (March-April, September-November).

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The European Stonechat is often seen perched on a prominent stalk or bush, constantly flicking its tail and uttering its characteristic 'tschack-tschack' call, which gives it its common name.

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