Rock Thrush
Scientific Name: Monticola saxitilisMaltese Name: Ganbublu
Family: Thrushes and Chats (Turdidae)
Occurence: Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Rock Thrush is a beautiful thrush. Males have a blue head and back with red under parts and tail. Also has a white patch on its back. The males are striking and easily identifiable. Females are brown with reddish tail. The Rock Thrush is characteristic of high mountains and rocky slopes. It flies thrush-like with strong quick, bursts. It looks for food from perches, grabbing insects from the ground. It breeds in southern Europe north to Alps and Pyrenees. It migrates to south of the Sahara desert to winter. Lives up to 5 years and its overall population have declined in recent years.
Status:
Scarce migrant. Normally seen solitary or in very small parties.
When to See:
Spring; March until early May, autumn from September until October.
Where to See:
Prefers open areas with low lying shrubs and rocks. Garrigue sites can be good like Comino and Ta' Cenc. It is also recorded in open valleys, farmland and even in urban areas
Photographs:
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Male Rock Thrush, Comino |
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| Female Rock Thrush, Comino | Juvenile Rock Thrush, Comino |
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