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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Saxicola rubicola
European stonechat (male). Greek: μαυρολαίμης (αρσενικός). Apolakia, September 2023.
Passage/breeding migrant, widespread in small numbers. Length 12-13 cm, wingspan 20-22 cm. Sexes similar, breeding male with black head. Scrubland, open grassy slopes, farmland. Nests on ground. Hunts from perch, takes insects both in air and on ground. Territorial male behaviour. Perches on bush tops, fence poles, flicks wings and tail when voicing song of short whistles and harsh notes. Usually sedentary.
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