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Key information: The Stonechat comes to Cyprus in the winter and stays here until March. It is easy to spot, as it likes to sit on prominent spots like on top of bushes. It rarely strays away from its partner so they are usually seen together. The male has a black head, white patch on the side of the neck and orange belly, as opposed to the female that has a brown head and back. If it’s disturbed, it lets out a harsh, scolding call, which sounds like two stones being knocked together.

Length: 11,5 – 13 cm

Habitat: Farmland, scrub and bushes

When they can be seen: Winter

What they eat: Invertebrates, seeds

In Cyprus: Can be seen at lowland areas all over Cyprus

Status: Winter visitor

Illustration by Paschalis Dougalis