Whinchat - Saxicola rubetra

The Whinchat is a small perching bird. It hops or runs on the ground and often perches on top of low bushes. It has a prominent white stripe above the eye. It is streaky brown above and warm orange-buff on breast.

Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)

In the breeding season, best looked for in suitable habitat in upland parts of northern and western Britain. It can also be seen on passage at coastal migration watchpoints and suitable habitat inland.

April to mid-September.

Feeds on insects and some seeds.

The Whinchat is a summer visitor and passage migrant. Birds breed in upland areas of northern and western Britain with a few in Ireland. It winters in central and southern Africa.

Infrequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.