Alternative name: Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush
- Monticola saxatilis
Identification
17-20 cm
Male
- Pale slate-blue-grey head, neck and mantle
- Underparts and outer tail feathers are chestnut-orange
- Dark brown wings
- White blaze on back
Females and Immatures
- Dark brown scaly upperparts
- Paler brown scaly underparts.
- Outer tail feathers are reddish, like the male.
Distribution
Southern Europe across central Asia to northern China.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Habitat
Open dry hilly areas, usually above 1500m.
Behaviour
Breeding
It nests in rock cavities, laying 4-5 eggs.
Diet
The diet includes a wide range of insects and berries.
Vocalisation
<flashmp3>Monticola saxatilis (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2012. The eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2012. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
- Wikipedia
- Collins Field Guide 5th Edition
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Common Rock Thrush. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 2 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Common_Rock_Thrush
