Bird : Saxicola rubetra ( Whinchat - Καστανολαίμης )

Saxicola rubetra ( Whinchat - Καστανολαίμης ) 

Vasos Vasiliou

The Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) is a small migratory passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae). It is similar in appearance to the closely related European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola), but it has distinct markings and migratory behavior.

Marios Filippou - Akrotiri

Identification & Appearance

• Size: About 12–14 cm in length, with a wingspan of 21–24 cm.
• Weight: Around 13–20 grams.
• Plumage:
  • Male (breeding season):
    • Orange-brown chest and flanks.
    • White supercilium (eyebrow) that extends prominently above the eye.
    • Dark cheeks and a streaked brown back.
    • White belly and undertail coverts.
  • Female & non-breeding males:
    • Paler than males with less distinct markings.
    • More buff-colored chest and less pronounced supercilium.

Habitat & Distribution

• Breeding range: Whinchats breed across Europe and western Asia, especially in open grasslands, meadows, and moorlands with scattered shrubs.
• Wintering grounds: They migrate to sub-Saharan Africa during the winter.
• Habitat preference: Prefers open areas with tall grasses, heather, and scattered perches such as bushes, posts, or small trees.

Behavior & Diet

• Feeding: Insectivorous, primarily feeding on insects like beetles, flies, caterpillars, and spiders. They may also consume some berries and seeds.
• Foraging technique: Often perches on low vegetation, scanning for prey before making quick, darting flights to capture food.
• Song & Calls:
  • The male has a melodic, warbling song, often delivered from a prominent perch.
  • Call includes a soft "tac-tac" sound, similar to a European Stonechat.

Breeding & Nesting

• Nesting location: Builds a cup-shaped nest close to the ground, well hidden in dense grass.
• Eggs: Typically lays 4–7 eggs.
• Incubation: Lasts about 12–14 days, mainly by the female.
• Fledging: Chicks leave the nest after approximately two weeks.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Listed as Least Concern, though populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss and agricultural intensification.
• Threats: Habitat destruction, pesticide use reducing insect prey, and climate change affecting migration patterns.

Vasos Vasiliou

The Whinchat is a passage migrant in Cyprus, meaning it does not breed on the island but is seen mainly during migration seasons.

When & Where to See It in Cyprus

• Spring Migration: March – May
• Autumn Migration: August – October
• Habitats in Cyprus:
  • Open fields, scrublands, and agricultural areas.
  • Often seen perched on fences, small bushes, or tall grasses while scanning for insects.
  • Common in rural areas, especially where there is less human disturbance.

How to Identify the Whinchat in the Field

• Key Features for Cyprus Birdwatchers:
  • White eyebrow (supercilium): More prominent than the similar European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola), which lacks it.
  • Orange-brown chest: A good contrast with the paler belly.
  • Dark cheeks and streaked brown back.
  • Short tail with white base: Visible in flight.
  • Behavior: Often perches on low vegetation, making short flights to catch insects.

Similar Species in Cyprus

• European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)

  • More common in winter in Cyprus.
  • Males lack the distinct white eyebrow of the Whinchat.
  • Darker overall appearance, with a solid blackish head in males.

• Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)

  • Also a passage migrant, but larger.
  • Paler with a noticeable black-and-white tail pattern.