Scientific name: Saxicola maurus Higher classification: Saxicola Rank: Species

The Siberian stonechat or Asian stonechat is a recently validated species of the Old World flycatcher family. Like the other thrush-like flycatchers, it was often placed in the Turdidae in the past.

It breeds in open rough scrubland or rough grassland with scattered shrubs, from sea level to about 4,000 m ASL or more.

The Siberian Stonechat or Asian Stonechat (Saxicola maura) is a member of the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. In the past it was usually classified as a race of the Common Stonechat, Saxicola torquata maura, but recent genetic evidence strongly supports its status as a full species, Saxicola Maura.

Adult (Breeding): Male has brown-black head and upperparts with variably-sized white patches on neck and wing; variably orange breast and flanks. Female is mottled brown-gray above.

Adult (Non-breeding): Much duller with pale feather edges. Juvenile: Dull gray-brown above; underparts show brown feather tips.

Behavior: Constantly flicks tail.

Habitat: Mountain steppe, woodland glades, fields.

Food: Invertebrates, seeds.

Nest: Grassy cup lined with hair and wool, on ground

               under grass tussock or in bush.

Eggs: 18 mm, 4-6, deep bluish-green, red-brown spots.

The Siberian Stonechat or Asian Stonechat (Saxicola maura) is a member of the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. In the past it was usually classified as a race of the Common Stonechat, Saxicola torquata maura, but recent genetic evidence strongly supports its status as a full species, Saxicola Maura.

Adult (Breeding): Male has brown-black head and upperparts with variably-sized white patches on neck and wing; variably orange breast and flanks. Female is mottled brown-gray above.

Adult (Non-breeding): Much duller with pale feather edges. Juvenile: Dull gray-brown above; underparts show brown feather tips. Behavior: Constantly flicks tail. Habitat: Mountain steppe, woodland glades, fields. Food: Invertebrates, seeds. Nest: Grassy cup lined with hair and wool, on ground under grass tussock or in bush.