Siberian Stonechat

The Siberian stonechat, or Asian stonechat (Saxicola maurus), is a member of the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. This species, once grouped with thrushes, is now recognized for its distinct characteristics. The male in breeding plumage is a striking figure with black upperparts and head, a pronounced white collar, scapular patch, and rump, and a splash of orange on the throat. The female, more subdued in color, sports pale brown upperparts and head, with white neck patches and a pale, unstreaked pinkish-yellow rump.

Identification Tips

The Siberian stonechat's primary remiges are notably longer than those of its close relative, the European stonechat. The male's winter plumage is a blend of the summer male and female, with a supercilium reminiscent of the whinchat. The full white collar is a distinguishing feature in all plumages.

Habitat

The Siberian stonechat favors open scrubland or grassland with scattered shrubs, thriving from sea level to alpine heights exceeding 4,000 meters above sea level.

Distribution

This bird's breeding range spans temperate Asia, from Siberia's northern reaches down to the Himalayas and southwest China, and westward to eastern Turkey and the Caspian Sea region. In winter, it migrates to warmer climes, from southern Japan to Thailand and India, and occasionally to northeast Africa.

Behaviour

The Siberian stonechat is a migratory bird, avoiding cooler temperate zones and only venturing north during the warm continental summer. It is known to forage in fields and pastures at high altitudes during migration.

Song & Calls

The male emits a distinctive clicking call, akin to the sound of pebbles being knocked together. Its song is a high, twittering melody, comparable to the dunnock's.

Similar Species

The Siberian stonechat can be confused with the European stonechat and the whinchat. However, the white collar and longer primary remiges help differentiate it from these species.

Diet and Feeding

This insectivorous bird adapts its feeding habits to the availability of prey in its various habitats, from lowlands to high mountain pastures.