The white-throated bush chat, also known as Hodgson's bushchat, is an Old World flycatcher in the genus Saxicola. It is IUCN Red Listed as Vulnerable as of 2018. In 2001, the global population has been estimated at between 3,500 and 15,000 individuals. The major threat appears to be the rapid loss of grasslands in its wintering areas. It winters in the Nepal and Indian Terai and in the Dooars. In this region, it has been recorded in Jim Corbett, Shuklaphanta, Chitwan, Kaziranga, and Manas National Parks and in Lumbini Crane Sanctuary. It prefers wet and dry grasslands, reeds and tamarisks along riverbeds, and also occurs in sugarcane fields. In spring and summer, it breeds in the alpine or sub-alpine meadows and scrub in the mountains of Mongolia and adjacent parts of Russia. The white-throated bush chats is insectivorous.
Region
Central and South Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in alpine to subalpine meadows and scrub on mountain slopes of Mongolia and adjacent parts of southern Russia. In winter it migrates to the Nepal and Indian Terai and the Dooars, using wet and dry grasslands, reedbeds, and tamarisk thickets along broad riverbeds. It is also recorded in protected areas such as Shuklaphanta, Chitwan, Kaziranga, Manas, and Corbett, and occasionally uses sugarcane fields where native grasslands are fragmented. The species favors mosaics of tall grasses with scattered shrubs and open perches for foraging.
Altitude Range
50–2800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Hodgson's bushchat, this elusive stonechat breeds in high-elevation meadows of Mongolia and adjacent southern Russia and winters in the lowland grasslands of the Nepal–India Terai and Dooars. It is highly dependent on tall, intact riverine and savanna grasslands in winter, which are rapidly disappearing. The species is best detected by patient scanning of reedbeds and tamarisk-lined river margins where it perches conspicuously before dropping into cover. Habitat loss and degradation on wintering grounds are the primary threats.
Temperament
skulking but perches conspicuously on low stems
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low sallies
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs on breeding grounds, holding small territories in meadow and scrub habitats. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation or among ground cover. During winter it remains secretive but may share suitable patches with other grassland birds without forming tight flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a simple, chat-like series of short phrases delivered from a perch, interspersed with pauses. Calls include sharp chack notes and thin, high contact calls given when alarmed or moving between cover.
