Whinchat
Scientific Name: Saxicola rubetraMaltese Name: Bucaqq tas-Silla
Family: Thrushes and Chats (Turdidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Whinchat is a bird of grassland. Males have black cheeks with white, deep apricot breast and pale yellowish underside. Females do not have all that black present on their head but only have a buff stripe over eye and streaked cap and cheeks. Males in spring are very beautiful to see with their contrasting black and orange. In autumn, males are similar to females. It often perches and drops on ground to pick up insects, also feeds on some seeds and berries when available. It builds a grassy nest in a bush or ground, where it lays 5 or 6 eggs. It has a tictic or tuc tuc , wheet call with rattles and grants. Is found in all European countries and migrates to Africa for the winter.
Status:
Common spring migrant, falls may occur and in autumn is frequent appearing in smaller numbers.
When to See:
Spring; early birds in March and early April but best time is mid-April until May. Autumn; September until October.
Where to See:
Prefers open land, garrigue and valleys. It often perches on dried twigs or bushes, making it seen. Best site is certainly Comino. Most falls are recorded at Comino as the site is closely monitored in spring, with hundreds observed. Other good sites are Ta' Cenc, Xaghra il-Hamra, Wied Ghajn Rihana and plenty of others. Often seen near coast where tired migrants make first contact with land.
Photographs:
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Male Whinchat, Comino |
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| Male Whinchat, Comino | Male Whinchat, Comino |
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Female Whinchat, Cirkewwa |
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