- Saxicola rubetra
Identification
12.5cm
It has a prominent white stripe above the eye. This bird is streaky brown above and warm orangish-buff on the breast. White wing patch and tail base. Black bill and legs.
Similar Species
Distribution
Breeds in upland areas of northern and western Britain with a few in Ireland. Winters in central and southern Africa.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Habitat
Breeds on damper areas of moors and heaths, particularly with low bushes, gorse etc. On passage may be seen on railway embankments and cultivated fields.
Behaviour
Action
Hops or runs on the ground and often perches on top of low bushes. Flitting flight. Flycatches from perch.
Diet
The diet includes insects and their larvae, also seeds and berries.
Breeding
The female builds a nest from dead grass and moss, lined with fine grasses and hair, usually on the ground among tall grass on moors and heaths. The 4-7 smooth, glossy, light greenish-blue with reddish-brown speckling eggs are incubated by the female for 13-14 days. Both adults feed the young, which fledge after a further 14 days.
Vocalisation
Calls: Short scolding 'tictic' and a 'tu-tic-tic' calls.
Song: A brief, rather metallic warbling.
<flashmp3>Saxicola rubetra (song).mp3</flashmp3>
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References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2013. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.8., with updates to August 2013. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- British Garden Birds
- Wikipedia
- Collins Bird Guide ISBN 0 00 219728 6
- Collins Field Guide 5th Edition
- Collins Pocket Guide to British Birds 1966
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Whinchat. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 6 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Whinchat
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