Common rock thrush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Common rock thrush |
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| male, Spain | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Monticola
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| Species: |
saxatilis
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| Range of M. saxatilis Breeding Passage Non-breeding | |
| Synonyms | |
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Turdus saxatilis Linnaeus, 1766 |
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The common rock thrush is a beautiful bird also known as the rufous-tailed rock thrush. It belongs to a group of birds called chats. These birds are part of the Muscicapidae family, which includes flycatchers.
Its scientific name is Monticola saxatilis. This name comes from Latin. Monticola means "mountain dweller," because mons means "mountain" and colere means "to dwell." The word saxatilis means "rock-frequenting," as saxum means "stone." So, its name perfectly describes where it lives!
These birds breed in southern Europe and across Central Asia all the way to northern China. They are very strong migratory birds. This means they travel long distances. All common rock thrushes fly to Africa south of the Sahara Desert for the winter. Sometimes, they are seen as uncommon visitors in northern Europe. Sadly, their living areas have shrunk a bit recently. This is because their natural homes are being destroyed. Even so, they are not considered an endangered bird globally.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
The common rock thrush is a medium-sized bird. It is quite stocky, meaning it looks sturdy and strong. It measures about 17 to 20 centimeters long.
Male Rock Thrush
The male common rock thrush is easy to spot in summer. It has a pretty blue-grey head. Its belly and the outer parts of its tail feathers are bright orange. Its wings are dark brown, and its back is white.
Female and Young Rock Thrushes
Females and young birds look different from the males. They are not as brightly colored. Their upper parts are dark brown and look a bit scaly. Their underparts are a lighter brown and also look scaly. However, like the males, their outer tail feathers are reddish.
How Does It Live?
The common rock thrush likes to live in open, dry, hilly areas. You can usually find them in places higher than 1500 meters (about 4,900 feet).
Nesting and Eggs
They build their nests in cracks or holes in rocks. A female rock thrush usually lays 4 to 5 eggs at a time.
What Do They Eat?
These birds eat many different things, which means they are omnivores. Their diet includes a wide variety of insects. They also enjoy eating berries and small reptiles.
Their Song
The male common rock thrush is known for its beautiful song. It has a clear and very tuneful voice.
Gallery
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Common rock thrush, Boulmane de Dades, Morocco
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Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden
