African Stonechat

Overview

African Stonechat (Saxicola torquatus) is a species of Chats, Old World Flycatchers (Muscicapidae) in the order Perching Birds (Passerines). A small chat with a black head and white neck patch in males, perching on bushes and wires; constantly flicking wings and tail; a bird of open scrub and grasslands.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Saxicola; binomial: Saxicola torquatus; authority: (Linnaeus, 1766). Typical size: 12-14cm. Average lifespan: 3-7 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: Africa.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

Change English name of nominate Saxicola torquatus from European Stonechat to African Stonechat, with splits of S. rubicola and S. maurus. "Stonechat" is traditionally spelled as one word, not two.