The European stonechat is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a subspecies of the common stonechat. Long considered a member of the thrush family, Turdidae, genetic evidence has placed it and its relatives in the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. It is found across Europe, as far east as Ukraine and the South Caucasus, and in parts of North Africa.
Region
Western Palearctic (Europe, North Africa, Western Asia)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across Europe into western Asia, with populations in the British Isles, Iberia, France, central Europe, the Balkans, Turkey, and the South Caucasus. Present in coastal and inland North Africa, especially in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Favors open habitats with scattered shrubs or perches such as heathland, gorse scrub, rough grassland, fallow fields, moor edges, and coastal dunes. Often uses fence posts, reeds, or bush tops as hunting lookouts. Avoids dense forest and treeless high-intensity cropland.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The European stonechat is a perky, tail-flicking insect-eater often seen perched on gorse, heather, or fence posts. Males in breeding plumage have a striking black head, white neck patches, and a warm orange breast. They give a sharp 'tac-tac' call reminiscent of stones clicking, which helps locate them in scrubby habitats. Northern and eastern populations migrate south for winter, while many western European birds remain year-round.
Juvenile in Spain
Eggs
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs during the breeding season, with strong territory defense from prominent perches. Nests are placed low, usually on or near the ground in dense vegetation or tussocks. Clutches commonly contain 4–6 eggs; both adults feed the young. Outside breeding, may form loose groups in suitable foraging areas.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a varied, scratchy warble with brief trills and mimicry, delivered from a bush top or during short song-flights. Calls include the characteristic sharp 'tac-tac' resembling clicking stones and a thin 'see' or 'whee' contact note.
