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Saxicola maurus
The Siberian Stonechat or Asian Stonechat (Saxicola maurus) is a recently validated species of the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae). Like the other thrush-like flycatchers, it was often placed in the Turdidae in the past. It breeds in temperate Asia and easternmost Europe and winters in the Old World tropics. It resembles its closest living relative the European Stonechat (S. rubicola), but is typically darker above and paler below, with a white rump and whiter underparts with less orange on the breast.
Seen quite near the River Ganga, in the Himalayan foothills.
thanks asis, VFT and Pedro for your input on the ID of this Stonechat. Seems like Pedro won the prize!
Wow Malcom, thanks a lot. That is very thorough information. I have no hesitation to label it now, and have learnt something to boot...
Many thanks!
Yes I have. First of all, this is not, and never has been, a White-tailed Stonechat, which only has red in the upper breast. It used to be a sub-species of the Common Stonechat but the recent (2012?) changes to all the Stonechats saw it moved to being a sub-species of the newly created Siberian Stonechat, so PedroNicolau has the correct suggestion.
For further information information Saxicola torquatus was only created at the time of the change to be used for the newly created African Stonechat species. The Common Stonechat was Saxicola torquata but neither exist now, the European bird being European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola.
thanks VFT2000. Anyone else got anything to add to this list before I label it!?
hate to do it, pamsai, but i've got to make your suggestion list number 3. I believe it is a white-tailed stonechat. However, if i happen to be wrong, i would lean towards a siberian stonechat.
I'm not certain of the species, but it's certainly a stonechat (Saxicola sp.).
Spotted on Apr 13, 2013
Submitted on May 14, 2013
