Taxonomy
Saxicola rubetra | Whinchat | Caislín aitinn
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
According to the last IUCN Red
List assessment in 2016, the Whinchat is a species of ‘Least Concern’ on a
global scale. A decreasing population trend has been noted however.
Species Biology
Identification
The Whinchat is a small species
of passerine (perching bird) that can be identified by its brown back with
streaks of black and white, orange breast with a contrasting whitish belly and
a pronounced white stripe above the eye.
Adult males have a darker head
with a wider supercilium and may appear quite similar to a Stonechat in terms
of size and appearance. The female has a browner head and the supercilium is
not as white.
The Whinchat stands at 12-13 cm
in length with a wingspan of 21-24 cm and weighing 16-24 grams.
Diet
Winchat primarily feed on
invertebrates such as insects but will also feed on seeds and berries given the
opportunity.
Habitat
Whinchat are found in a variety
of habitat types from uplands with bracken cover to open grasslands, meadows
and scrubland habitats.
A good population of invertebrate
food items is an important feature of a suitable habitat for Whinchat.
Reproduction
The Whinchat lays a clutch of 5-6
eggs, each weighing approximately 2.1 grams. These eggs are incubated for 13
days, and fledge after 14-15 days.
A wild Whinchat has a life
expectancy of approximately two years and will breed at one year old.
Threats faced
The loss of marginal agricultural land and scrub is considered a significant reason for this decline (Gilbert, Stanbury and Lewis, 2021).
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
The Whinchat is a summer visitor
to Ireland from parts of Western Africa where it spends its winters.
The Irish breeding population has
declined in recent time with loss of suitable habitat playing a significant
factor in their decline.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch
Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/whinchat/
The Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/whinchat/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob11370.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22710156/87906903
References
Publications
Gilbert, G., Stanbury, A. and Lewis, L., 2021. Birds of Conservation
Concern in Ireland 4: 2020-2026. [online] Wicklow. Available at:
<https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds-of-conservation-concern-in-ireland/>
[Accessed 2 Jun. 2021].