top of page
Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Saxicola rubetra
Whinchat. Greek: κασταvoλαίμης. Massari, August 2022.
Passage migrant, sporadic breeding, large decline in numbers over last two decades. Length 12-13 cm, wingspan 20-22 cm. Sexes similar, males with bright orange throat and chest in breeding plumage. Open dry areas with sparse shrubs. Uses bush tops, thistles, fence posts as hunting perches, takes insects both on ground and in flight. Also feeds on worms, berries. When perched, male flicks tail, wings. Fast-paced song with melodious warbles and mimicry.
bottom of page