Summer-plumage male. Taken at Gilfach, Powys, on May 3rd 2023. (© David Hastings)
(1/640th sec at f/9. Click image for larger version)
Winter-plumage male. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon., on October 17th 2019. (© David Hastings)
(1/400th sec at f14. Click image for larger version)
Female. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon., on November 4th 2020. (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f/11. Click image for larger version)
Juvenile. Taken on Benbecula on May 20th 2019. (© David Hastings)
(1/320th sec at f11. Click image for larger version)

Description

L: 11.5 - 13 cm

The Stonechat is a small Robin-sized bird. Males have striking black heads with white around the side of their neck, orange-red breasts and a mottled brown back. Females lack the male's black head, but have brown backs and an orange tinge to their chests.

They are found on the southern and western coasts of Britian and Ireland, and in northern England and Scotland in the summer. Birds over-winter in southern England.

Stonechats breed in open areas with low vegetation, often heather or gorse.

They are frequently seen flicking their wings while perched, often doing so on the tops of low bushes. They utter a sharp loud call that sounds like two stones being tapped together.

Its conservation status is amber, owing to concerns about the European population. There are between 9000 and 23000 breeding pairs in Britain.

Sightings