The European stonechat is a small passerine bird with a distinctive "stone-tapping" call. Males have a black head, brown back, white half-collar, and orange-red breast, while females are duller brown. They inhabit open areas with low vegetation like heathland, feed on invertebrates and seeds, and often perch on gorse bushes.
Appearance
Males: Black head, brown back, a white half-collar on the neck, and an orange-red breast.
Females and juveniles: Paler and more mottled brown than males.
Size: Roughly robin-sized, about 13 cm (5 inches) long, with a large head and short tail.
Behavior
Call: Makes a sharp, loud call that sounds like two small stones being tapped together, which is where its name comes from.
Posture: Often seen sitting upright on top of bushes, frequently flicking its wings.
Migration: Some northern populations migrate south for winter, while others are resident, especially in warmer climates.
