Species Guide | Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)
APPEARANCE
The Stonechat is a small chat with a striking pattern. They are roughly the same size as robins. Male Stonechats have black heads with white feathers around the sides of their necks and orange-red breasts with mottled brown backs. Female Stonechats have brown heads, brown backs, and only a slight orange flush to their chests.
Diet
Stonechats eat invertebrates, seeds, and fruit.
HABITAT
Their preferred habitat is Heathland and Coastal, however, over the past few decades, the species has expanded its range to other habitats. During the summer months, they are more common in the West of the country, but during the winter Stonechats range has expanded Eastwards across the U.K.
Note that this map is for a rough illustration of animal distribution across the UK1, whereby light green indicates established summer breeding populations.
Behavior
During the summer, Stonechats numbers are increased by migratory birds, noting that many Stonechats in the British Isles remain all year around. The milder winters over the last few years may be the reason for many Stonechats remaining.
Did You Know? Stonechats are named after their call; which resembles the sound that two stones make when they’re tapped together.
Stonechat Call:
Gianluca Congi, xeno-canto.org
The first clutches of eggs are typically laid between May and June. Stonechats usually have 2 to 3 broods each year, although in some cases they may have up to 4. The clutch size is usually 5 to 6 eggs with incubation lasting 14 days with the female taking sole responsibility for incubating the eggs. After hatching the young are fully fledged after a further 14 days.
STATS
The wing length of adult birds is within the range of 65 to 70 millimeters. The body weight of adult birds is within a range of 14 to 18 grams.
| Wing Length2 | 65-70mm |
| Body Weight2 | 14-18 grams |
| Longevity | 4-5 Years |
NATURAL PREDATORS
Mammals are the main predator of Stonechats, and includes Foxes, Stoats and Weasels.
Conservation Status
The Stonechat is registered as Green Listed in the U.K. due to its extensive range and is registered as Least Concern by the International Union For Conservation of Nature (IUCN) from a global perspective.
U.K.
Conservation Status
Global
Conservation Status
References
- Population data based on BTO assessment
- Featherbase
- WildlifeTrust
