Stonechat
Saxicola torquatus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Stonechat is a small, stocky, robin-like bird with a distinctive appearance.
Males have a black head, white half-collar, and orange-red breast, contrasting with brown upperparts and a white patch on the wings. The tail and rump are black.
Females are duller, with a brown head and less contrasting plumage. Juveniles resemble females but have spotted upperparts and a scaly pattern on the breast.
Size
Length
11.5cm to 13cm
Wingspan
18cm to 21cm
Weight
13g to 17g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Stonechats inhabit open areas with low vegetation, including heathland, coastal dunes, and rough grassland. They prefer habitats with scattered bushes or brambles for perching and nesting.
They are widespread in Europe, with resident populations in the UK and Ireland. Some northern populations migrate south for winter, while others are partial migrants or residents, depending on local climate conditions.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,200 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Stonechat. 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
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
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 Stonechat displays considerable agility, frequently bobbing its tail and flicking its wings whilst perched. Its ability to swoop down swiftly to catch prey on the ground or in mid-air demonstrates impressive manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small bird weighing between 13-17 grams, the Stonechat's strength is limited. However, it possesses enough power to defend its territory and perform display flights during breeding season.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Stonechats show good adaptability, inhabiting various open habitats from sea level to 3,200 metres elevation. Their ability to adjust their diet seasonally and their partial migratory behaviour in some populations indicate flexibility in response to environmental changes.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst not overly aggressive, Stonechats are territorial and will actively chase off intruders with rapid, darting flights. This behaviour, combined with their bold perching habits, suggests a moderate level of assertiveness.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Stonechat's endurance is reasonably good for its size. It can raise up to three broods in a single breeding season, which requires sustained effort. Some populations undertake migrations, indicating a degree of stamina, though their relatively short lifespan of 2-3 years suggests limitations in long-term endurance.
Diet
Stonechats primarily feed on insects, including beetles, flies, and caterpillars. Other common prey items include ants, grasshoppers, earwigs, snails, earthworms and small lizards.
They hunt by perching on a prominent spot and swooping down to catch prey on the ground or in mid-air. In autumn and winter, they may supplement their diet with small seeds and berries, notably blackberries.
Behaviour
Stonechats are often seen perched upright on prominent low perches, such as fence posts or the tops of bushes. They frequently bob their tails and flick their wings while perched.
These birds are territorial and will chase off intruders with rapid, darting flights.
Vocalisation
The Stonechat's name comes from its distinctive call, a sharp 'chak' sound reminiscent of two pebbles being struck together. This characteristic call is interspersed with a high-pitched ‘weet’ note.
Their song is a short, scratchy warble, often delivered from a prominent perch. Males may sing throughout the year but are most vocal during the breeding season.
Nesting & Breeding
Stonechats form monogamous pairs and begin breeding in late March or early April. Males perform display flights and sing to attract females.
The nest is built low in dense vegetation, often in gorse or heather. It's a cup-shaped structure made of grass, moss, and plant stems lined with finer materials. Females typically lay 4-6 pale blue-green eggs with fine reddish-brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 13-14 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 12-13 days. Pairs often raise two or three broods per season.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Stonechat is listed as Least Concern globally, some local populations have experienced declines due to habitat loss and agricultural intensification.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable breeding habitats, particularly in areas of heathland and coastal scrub.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Stonechats in open habitats with scattered bushes or low vegetation
- Listen for their distinctive 'chak' call, which sounds like two stones being tapped together
- Observe their habit of perching conspicuously on tops of bushes or fence posts
- In the UK, check coastal areas and heathlands for resident populations
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
European Stonechat, Common Stonechat
Family:
MuscicapidaeAverage Lifespan
4 to 5 years
Max Lifespan
8.8 years [4]
Predators
Did You Know?
- Stonechats can raise up to three broods in a single breeding season.
- Their scientific name 'Saxicola' means 'rock-dweller', although they're more commonly found in scrubland.
- In some regions, Stonechats are considered indicators of habitat quality for other grassland species.
FAQs
Do Stonechats winter in the UK?
Some Stonechats leave the United Kingdom in winter to enjoy the warmer weather in Southern Europe and North Africa. However, most remain in the UK all year, often moving to coastal and low-lying areas.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2020. Saxicola torquatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22710184A181614254.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
- 4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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