Whinchat Vs Stonechat: Key Differences Explained

Whinchats and Stonechats are both small birds that feed mainly on insects and can both be seen in the UK at certain times of the year. Distinguishing between these two members of the Muscicapidae family can be difficult, especially from a distance.

They both are of a similar size and both behave in a similar way as well. They’re restless birds which are likely to be spotted perched in the open either dropping down on insect prey or flitting from perch to perch.

In this article we’ll be taking a close look at both of these birds and highlighting their main differences. Making it easier for you to identify them in the wild. Keep reading to find out more.

Key Takeaways

• You can differentiate between stonechats and whinchats by the white eyebrow (supercilium) of the whinchat
• Whinchats are migratory birds and can only be seen in the UK between April and October
• Stonechats are resident birds and can be seen all year round in the UK
• Stonechats can often raise 2 or 3 broods per season whereas whinchats only raise 1 brood
• Whinchats are typically plumper, more robust looking than stonechats

What Is The Difference Between A Whinchat And A Stonechat?

There are enough differences between whinchats and stonechats to make identification possible especially if you know what you’re looking for.

Visual Differences

As with many bird species, it is easier to identify the males of the species than it is to identify the females which are often a more drab colour.

Male stonechats have a black head, white neck patch and an orange-red breast. They also have a dark back with a white patch on the wings.

The female stonechat has more subdued colourings with a brownish head and back, a less distinct white neck patch and a paler orange breast. Juvenile stonechats are similar to the females but are duller and more speckled.

Male whinchats have a white eyebrow stripe (supercilium), mottled brown backs and a pale orange breast. They also have a white throat and white patches on their wings.

Females are similar to the males but their colours are more subdued and they have less distinct markings. Juveniles are much like females except they’re even more speckled and slightly duller in appearance.

Differences In Habitat

Stonechats prefer scrubby areas with low vegetation like heathland, coastal dunes and grassland. They are a common sight on heathlands and bogs all across the UK.

These remarkably adaptable birds can also be found in conifer plantations as well as coastal areas and wetlands. You can often see stonechats perched on fences, bushes and other prominent features.

Whinchats prefer grasslands, meadows and areas with a few scattered bushes and tall vegetation. They favour upland areas of northern and western Britain with a small amount breeding in Ireland.

You can often spot whinchats perching on tall plant stems or shrubs.

Nests & Eggs

Whinchats are a migratory bird that arrives in the UK any time from the end of April and leaves around mid September when they fly to Sub-Saharan Africa. The nest is built by the female on the ground in coarse vegetation from moss and grass which is lined with hair, fur or feathers. She lays a clutch of around 4 to7 pale blue-green eggs which are covered in reddish-brown specks.

The eggs, which are around 19 x 14 mm in size, are incubated solely by the female and hatch after around13 days. Both parents then take on the feeding duties. The chicks fledge around18 days after hatching but parents continue to feed the chicks for around 2 weeks after they fledge.

Stonechats are residents in the UK all year round with some northern birds moving to southern areas if the winters are too cold. The nest is built solely by the female and is sited in dense vegetation close to the ground. It is a loose cup shape made from dried grass which is lined with fur, hair and feathers.

She will lay a clutch of around 4 to 6 eggs which are pale blue or greenish-blue coloured with reddish-brown freckles that tend to favour the larger end of the egg. The eggs are around 19 x 14 mm in size and are incubated by the female on her own.

The eggs hatch after around 14 days with both parents taking turns feeding and protecting the chicks. The chicks typically fledge the nest at the age of 12 to 16 days after hatching. The parents continue to feed the chicks for around 5 to 6 days after they fledge.

Unlike whinchats that typically only rear one brood per season, stonechats can often raise 2 or even 3 broods per season.

Bird Calls

The call of the stonechat sounds much like 2 stones being clinked together and is where the bird’s name comes from. This distinct call makes it easy to identify stonechats even when you can’t see them.

Their song though, is less well known and is reminiscent of the song of the Dunnock.

The main call of the whinchat is a distinctive “hue-tac-tac” and is softer than the call of the stonechat. During the breeding season, the male makes a whistling, crackly soft song to serenade the female. Which sounds like a mixture of soft whistles, “tacs” and grating.

This can be quite confusing as the male whinchat can mimic around 12 other bird species. This means you can’t rely on the singing of the whinchat to confirm identification.

Size & Weight

Whinchats are larger, more plump looking than stonechats. A typical adult whinchat is around 12.5 cm long with a wingspan of around 21 to 24 cm and weighing around 16 to 24 grams.

Stonechats tend to be slimmer around the same length of 12.5 cm with a wingspan of around 18 to 21 cm and a weight of around 13 to 17 grams.

SEE ALSO: Woodlark Diet and Size

Frequently Asked Questions