Blue Rock-Thrush

The Blue Rock-Thrush is a striking bird about the size of a thrush, with clear differences between males and females. Males have deep blue feathers all over, which look almost the same from a distance, but in good light you can see chestnut-orange underparts. Females are duller, mostly brown with pale patterns and a reddish-brown tail. Both males and females stand upright when resting on rocks or buildings. This bird lives in warm, rocky places such as sea cliffs, gorges, ruins, and stone buildings. It is usually found at low to middle heights around the Mediterranean area, the Middle East, and southern Asia. In Europe, it lives from the Iberian Peninsula east through southern France, Italy, and the Balkans. It is a rare visitor to Britain, mostly seen in spring. The Blue Rock-Thrush is a solitary and territorial bird. It prefers open rocky ground with some scattered plants. It hunts insects and small creatures from high, visible perches.