Whinchat

A small, dapper bird and a summer visitor to Europe. It arrives from Africa in late April. The Whinchat lives in open grasslands, damp meadows, and heathlands. It is slightly smaller than the Stonechat. Populations are declining due to the drainage of wet meadows and early hay-cutting.

Whinchats hunt from prominent perches like fence posts or tall weeds. They drop to the ground to catch insects and then return to a perch. They are often seen in pairs. A key feature is the bold white eyebrow. Their song is a scratchy jumble of notes that often includes imitations.