The whinchat is a small perching bird. It hops or runs on the ground and often perches on top of low bushes. It has a prominent white stripe above the eye. It is streaky brown above and warm orange-buff on the breast. It is a summer visitor and passage migrant. Birds breed in upland areas of northern and western Britain with a few in Ireland. It winters in central and southern Africa.
Key ID Features:
Similar to Stonechat but longer winged with a prominent supercilium of white or buff.
The male has black cheeks surrounded by white whilst the female's cheek is similarly streaked to the cap.
The male's apricot breast sits above a pale yellowish underside.
White wing patches are matched by a white triangle on either side of the dark tail, seen in flight.
Overview
Scientific name: Saxicola rubetra
Family: Chats and thrushes (Turdidae)
Where to see them:
In the breeding season, best looked for in suitable habitat in upland parts of northern and western Britain. It can also be seen on passage at coastal migration watchpoints and suitable habitat inland.
Seen in UK:
April to mid-September.
What they eat
Insects and some seeds.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
