White-tailed Stonechat
A species of Stonechats and Bush Chats Scientific name : Saxicola leucurus Genus : Stonechats and Bush Chats
White-tailed Stonechat, A species of Stonechats and Bush Chats
Botanical name: Saxicola leucurus
Genus: Stonechats and Bush Chats
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Ayuwat Jearwattanakanok
Description
Very similar in plumage to european stonechat (Saxicola rubicola). The male has black head, white collar and bright rufous chest patch. The back and wings are dark, with white on wing coverts and rump. The key differentiating feature from male common stonechat is the white inner webs of outer tail feathers which is visible when the bird spreads the tail in flight or while landing. Note that this may not be visible when the tail is folded. The female is very similar to female european stonechat, but is overall paler with duller rump, tail and wings.
Size
14 cm
Feeding Habits
White-tailed Stonechat primarily consumes insects, capturing them in flight or from the ground near tall grass. Its foraging method includes making aerial sallies for swarming mosquitoes and midges, displaying a specialized hunting technique.
Habitat
The habitat of white-tailed Stonechat generally comprises tall grasses and reeds, prominently situated near large rivers in regions subject to seasonal flooding. They rely on dense vegetation such as Saccharum spontaneum elephant grass and Typha reedbeds for shelter and breeding. Additionally, white-tailed Stonechat can inhabit agricultural landscapes where crops like maize, peas, tomatoes, and tobacco are cultivated on riverine banks and islands.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Behavior
Typical of stonechats, they catch their prey by dropping to ground or making short sallies from their perch. They are generally found in loose pairs, rarely in singles. Key breeding season is Mar-May when it makes a cup shaped nest in natural depressions on the ground among plants like lotuses or tamarisk.
Distribution Area
White-tailed stonechats are resident in suitable marshy habitats across plains in Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, North and Central and Eastern parts of India till South Assam Hills & Manipur. They prefer grasslands and marshy areas with tall grass, reeds and tamarisk. They also undertake local movements, based on water availability and possibly for breeding.
Photo By Ayuwat Jearwattanakanok
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Old world flycatchers Species
White-tailed Stonechat