The Maltese countryside in winter is enriched by several species of passerine birds that spend several months in the Mediterranean region to avoid the colder winter further north. Some species are also seen in urban areas and often visit gardens and rooftops even in very built-up localities.

From late autumn to late winter one stands a very good chance of meeting the stonechat in garigue areas.

The male and female species have different plumage but both are easily recognised by their general shape and behaviour. These small birds have a characteristic upright posture and spend a lot of time perched on the highest part of a bush. From this point, they make regular sallies to the ground to pick up small creatures such as spiders and insects on which they feed. Most of the time, both sexes make a clicking sound like two stones being hit together, hence this bird’s English name. Even the Maltese name, buċċaqq tax-xitwa, is partly onomatopoeic.

The male stonechat has a black head, back and tail. The wings are also black but have a large white patch. The bird also has a distinctive white collar which separates its head from its dark orange-red upper breast.

Females are less colourful: they are mostly brown with chestnut-buff under-parts.

Stonechats are found breeding throughout most of Europe, Northwest Africa and the Middle East. Other species of stonechat are found in other parts of the world.

Females are less colourful: they are mostly brown with chestnut-buff under-parts

European stonechats are non-migratory, although individuals that live in the north move south for the winter.

A related species, the whinchat, breeds in Europe and western Asia and visits Malta on migration. It is known locally as buċċaqq tas-silla. Silla is sulla, a spring crop, thus the name itself gives a good indication of when this bird can be seen in the Maltese islands.

portelli.paul@gmail.com

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