Amur Stonechat

The Amur stonechat, or Stejneger's stonechat (Saxicola stejnegeri), presents itself as a diminutive bird, measuring a modest 11.5–13 cm in length. This species bears a striking resemblance to its relative, the Siberian stonechat, with subtle distinctions in plumage and morphology.

Identification Tips

The Amur stonechat has a slightly broader bill, spanning 4.7–5.7 mm in width, a feature that sets it apart from the narrower bill of the Siberian stonechat. Additionally, the Amur stonechat exhibits marginally less white on its rump.

Habitat

The Amur stonechat is a native denizen of eastern Asia, thriving in the varied landscapes of central and eastern Siberia, Japan, Korea, northeastern China, and eastern Mongolia.

Distribution

With the changing of seasons, this species embarks on a migratory journey southward, seeking the milder climates of southern China and Indochina to overwinter. Remarkably, vagrants have been documented as far afield as Great Britain, Alaska, and even Borneo.

Breeding

The breeding range of the Amur stonechat encompasses the vast expanses of central and eastern Siberia, Japan, Korea, northeastern China, and eastern Mongolia.

Similar Species

The Amur stonechat is often compared to the Siberian stonechat, due to their close resemblance in both appearance and behaviour. However, the Amur stonechat can be distinguished by the aforementioned broader bill and the nuanced difference in rump coloration.