Blue Rock-thrush
Monticola solitarius
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Blue Rock-thrush is a small thrush with a distinctive appearance. Males boast a striking, deep blue plumage covering most of their body, with slightly darker wings and tails. Their slender black bill and legs contrast sharply with their vibrant feathers.
Females and juveniles differ significantly from males, with a mottled brown plumage with subtle barring. This dimorphism aids in camouflage during nesting.
Size
Length
21cm to 23cm
Wingspan
33cm to 37cm
Weight
40g to 70g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Blue Rock-thrushes inhabit a wide range of rocky environments, from coastal cliffs and rocky hillsides to mountains and urban areas with old buildings or ruins. They are found across southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, extending east to Japan and the Philippines.
In winter, some populations migrate to warmer regions, including North Africa and the Middle East. They are occasional vagrants in the UK, particularly in autumn and winter.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,600 meters
Climate zones
Mediterranean, Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Blue Rock-thrush. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Blue Rock-thrush demonstrates considerable agility, particularly in its hunting technique of pouncing on prey from elevated perches. Its ability to perform impressive aerial displays during courtship and navigate rocky terrains with ease further supports this high agility rating.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small thrush, the Blue Rock-thrush possesses moderate strength relative to its size. While capable of carrying nesting materials and small prey, it's not known for exceptional feats of strength. Its ability to withstand winds on exposed perches suggests some muscular prowess.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
The Blue Rock-thrush exhibits remarkable adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from coastal cliffs to urban environments. Its ability to nest in both natural rock crevices and man-made structures, coupled with its wide elevation range (sea level to 3600 metres), demonstrates impressive environmental flexibility.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally described as solitary and somewhat shy, the Blue Rock-thrush doesn't display high levels of aggression. While males may defend territories during breeding season, there's no evidence of exceptional aggressive behaviour towards predators or other species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Blue Rock-thrush's endurance is noteworthy, particularly considering its partial migratory nature. Some populations undertake seasonal movements, indicating good stamina. Their ability to survive in varied climates and altitudes also suggests solid endurance, though not at the highest levels observed in some other migratory species.
Diet
The Blue Rock-thrush's diet primarily consists of insects, spiders, and small invertebrates. They also consume berries and small fruits, especially during autumn and winter.
These ground-feeding birds often hunt by pouncing on prey from elevated perches, showcasing their agility and keen eyesight. Depending upon location, they may also also take lizards, mice and snakes.
Behaviour
Blue Rock-thrushes are known for their solitary nature and preference for high perches. They often stand upright on rocks or buildings, scanning for prey.
During courtship, males perform impressive aerial displays, singing while flying upwards before gliding back down to their perch.
Vocalisation
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Blue Rock-thrushes typically begins in April and extends through July. Males establish territories and attract females with their melodious songs and aerial displays.
Nests are built in rock crevices, holes in buildings, or among ruins, usually by the female. They are cup-shaped structures made of grass, moss, and roots. Females lay 3-5 pale blue eggs with reddish-brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 14-15 days, and the female primarily carries out the process. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after approximately 15-18 days. Pairs often raise two broods per season in favourable conditions.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Blue Rock-thrush is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it faces localised threats from habitat loss due to coastal development and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving rocky habitats and monitoring population trends across its range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them perched prominently on rocks, buildings, or ruins
- Listen for their melodious song, especially at dawn and dusk
- Scan coastal cliffs and rocky hillsides in Mediterranean regions
- Be patient, as they can be shy and quick to fly off when approached
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- Blue Rock-thrushes can survive in urban environments, often nesting on buildings that resemble their natural rocky habitats.
- They are known to incorporate human-made objects, such as plastic or metal pieces, into their nests.
- In some cultures, the Blue Rock-thrush is considered a symbol of fidelity due to its tendency to form long-term pair bonds.
References
- 1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Monticola solitarius. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22708286A87933903.
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