Stonechat

Stonechat
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae Genus: Saxicola Species: torquata
Binomial name
Saxicola torquata (Linnaeus, 1766)

The European Stonechat Saxicola (torquata) rubicola is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher, Muscicapidae. It, and similar small species in the family, are often called chatss.

It is a partially migratory insectivorous species, but the European race rubicola is resident in the milder south and west of its range. The ill-defined (doubtfully distinct) Atlantic coastal race hibernans is also largely resident. Together, these two races are found throughout western and southern Europe. Stonechats breeds in open rough gorse, tussocks or heather.

The highly migratory eastern races like maura (Siberian Stonechat) are probably best treated as a separate species Saxicola maura, being genetically distinct. They are paler with white rumps. The allied race variegata from west of the Caspian Sea has a tail pattern resembling wheatear.

The African Stonechat Saxicola torquata torquata is also genetically distinct and probably best treated as a distinct species; it is non-migratory, and occurs throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa. When accepted as a separate species, the European Stonechat takes the name Saxicola rubicola.

The European Stonechat is somewhat smaller than the European Robin. Both sexes of rubicola have a yellowish rump and dark tail. The summer male rubicola has black upperparts, orange throat and black head. It has white patches on the sides of its neck. The female has paler brown upperparts and head, and no white neck patches.

The male has a clicking call like stones knocking together, which gives it its name. The song is high and twittering like a Dunnock.

Other members of the genus include

• Whinchat, Saxicola rubetra
• Fuerteventura Chat, Saxicola dacotiae