Stonechat

The Stonechat is a small, upright bird about the size of a robin. It often perches in clear, high spots like gorse bushes, fence posts, and brambles. Male Stonechats have a black head, white patches on the neck, and a rusty-orange chest. Female Stonechats are browner overall, with a pale throat and softer orange shades. Both males and females show a white patch on their lower back when flying. The Stonechat’s call sounds like two small stones being knocked together, which is where its name comes from. This bird lives all year round across much of Britain and Ireland. It is especially common in coastal areas and in the south and west. In winter, the number of Stonechats increases with birds coming from continental Europe. The Stonechat prefers open areas with scattered bushes. These include heathland, the edges of moorland, young pine forests, and coastal scrub. It is often seen flying out briefly from a perch to catch insects before returning.