African Stonechat
NameAfrican Stonechat
Common NameAfrican Stonechat
Scientific NameSaxicola torquatus
FamilyMuscicapidae
Wingspan (cm)19.5
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)15
Plumage DetailsAdult male has a black head, white half-collar, and a prominent rufous-orange breast and belly. The back is black with white wing patches, and the rump is white. Females are duller, mostly brown with streaking and a paler rufous wash on the underparts.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive 'tsack-tsack' sound, often likened to two stones being tapped together. The song is a high-pitched, scratchy warble.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, extending into parts of the Arabian Peninsula.
Identifying FeaturesBlack head (male), White collar (male), Rufous-orange breast (male), White rump, Upright posture on prominent perches, Distinctive 'tsack-tsack' call
Description
The African Stonechat is a small, active passerine bird often seen perched prominently on a bush or tall weed. Males are strikingly patterned with a black head, white collar, and rufous breast, while females are duller brown. They are insectivorous, constantly scanning for prey from their perches.
