Siberian Stonechat
NameSiberian Stonechat
Common NameSiberian Stonechat
Scientific NameSaxicola maurus
FamilyMuscicapidae
Wingspan (cm)19.5
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)15
Plumage DetailsAdult male has a black head, a prominent white neck patch forming a collar, a black back, and distinct white wing patches. The breast is a vibrant rufous-orange, fading to white on the belly and undertail coverts. Females are duller with a streaky brown head and back, and paler orange-buff underparts.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive 'tsack-tsack' sound, often compared to two stones being tapped together. The song is a high-pitched, scratchy, and somewhat jumbled series of notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across temperate Asia, from Siberia and Central Asia eastward to Japan. It migrates south to winter in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Identifying Featuresblack head, white neck collar, rufous-orange breast, white wing patch, upright perch
Description
This small passerine is characterized by its striking plumage, featuring a black head, white collar, and rufous-orange breast. It typically perches prominently on tall vegetation, scanning for insects. Males are particularly vibrant, while females are duller.
