ExploreBirds

Whinchat

Saxicola rubetra

The Whinchat is a small, colorful bird that loves to hop around in fields and meadows. It has a lovely song and is often seen perched on tall grass or fences, looking for tasty insects to eat.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Whinchat is a plump, upright songbird with a distinctive white supercilium and dark cheek patch. Males display a striking orange-buff breast and flanks, contrasting with a streaky brown back. Its bold facial markings help distinguish it from similar small perching birds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyMuscicapidaeGenusSaxicola
Whinchat
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgesinging trait badgecolorful trait badge
Whinchat

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Male Whinchats show off vibrant orange chests to impress females during breeding season.

These tiny birds often perch on tall plant stems, like a lookout tower, to spot tasty bugs below!

Whinchat babies grow super fast, leaving the nest just two weeks after hatching!

Whinchats got their name from their call, which sounds like 'whit-chat,' giving away their presence!

Special abilities

Ability

Marathon Migrator

Whinchats can fly thousands of miles from Europe to Africa because of their efficient flight, helping them find warm winter food.

Ability

Aerial Acrobat

Whinchats have sharp eyesight and agility that helps them snatch flying insects mid-air, ensuring a fresh meal.

Ability

Camouflage Nest Builder

Whinchats can hide their nests skillfully on the ground because their camouflaged plumage helps them blend into dense vegetation, protecting eggs and chicks.

Measurements & details

Length
12-14 cm
Wingspan
21-24 cm
Weight
0.013-0.026 kg
Lifespan
2-5 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
4-7
Incubation
11-14 days
Migration Distance
5000 km

Diet & Feeding

Whinchats feast on tiny insects and spiders, which they skillfully catch in mid-air or snatch from plants.

Primary Foods

  • beetles
  • grasshoppers
  • flies
  • moths
  • spiders
  • berries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Common Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus

Common Kestrels prey on small birds like Whinchats in open habitats.

eaten by

Common European Adder

Vipera berus

Snakes like adders can find and eat Whinchat eggs or young chicks from ground nests.

hunts

Common Meadow Grasshopper

Chorthippus parallelus

Whinchats actively hunt and eat grasshoppers from meadows and grasslands.

hunts

Garden Spider

Araneus diadematus

Spiders are a common food source for Whinchats, caught from vegetation.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and be quiet so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Whinchat?

12-14 cm

What is Whinchat's wingspan?

21-24 cm

How much does Whinchat weigh?

0.013-0.026 kg

How long does Whinchat live?

2-5 years

How fast can Whinchat move?

45 km/h

What does Whinchat eat?

Whinchats feast on tiny insects and spiders, which they skillfully catch in mid-air or snatch from plants.

Where is Whinchat usually found?

Grasslands

How does Whinchat hunt?

Foraging

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Where to spot

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