Saxicola - Definition and Overview

Stonechats
European Stonechat
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae Genus: Saxicola
Species
see text

The genus Saxicola, the stonechats or chats, is a genus of 14 species of small passerine birds restricted to the Old World. They are insectivores of open scrubland and grassland with scattered small shrubs.

Genetic evidence presented in the recent monograph by Urquhart & Bowley 2002 strongly supports the splitting of the Common Stonechat (Saxicola torquata sensu lato) into three species, African Stonechat (S. torquata), European Stonechat (S. rubicola) and Asian Stonechat (S. maura). This treatment is likely to become standard in the future.

Species list, following Urquhart & Bowley 2002:

• Whinchat, Saxicola rubetra
• Stoliczka's Bushchat or White-browed Bushchat, Saxicola macrorhyncha
• Hodgson's Bushchat or White-throated Bushchat, Saxicola insignis
• Fuerteventura Chat or Canary Island Stonechat, Saxicola dacotiae
• European Stonechat, Saxicola rubicola (previously S. torquata rubicola)
• Siberian Stonechat or Asian Stonechat, Saxicola maura (previously S. torquata maura)
• African Stonechat, Saxicola torquata
• Réunion Stonechat, Saxicola tectes
• White-tailed Stonechat, Saxicola leucura
• Pied Bushchat, Saxicola caprata
• Jerdon's Bushchat, Saxicola jerdoni
• Grey Bushchat, Saxicola ferrea
• White-bellied Bushchat or Timor Bushchat, Saxicola gutturalis
• Buff-streaked Bushchat, Saxicola bifasciata

Reference

• Urquhart, E. & Bowley, A. 2002. Stonechats. A Guide to the Genus Saxicola. Helm. ISBN 0-7136-6024-4

Example Usage of Saxicola