Common rock thrush / Steinrötel (Monticola saxatilis)

Common rock thrush or Steinrötel by Andermatt. 2025-06-14 10:43:55 Andermatt

Observations

First documented observation: 2022-05-21 in Leuk. Most recent observation: 2025-06-14 in Andermatt.

Description

Classification: Genus Monticola (Monticola); Family Thrushes (Turdidae)
General: The common rock thrush (Monticola saxatilis),^[2] also known as rufous-tailed rock thrush or simply rock thrush, is a chat belonging to the family Muscicapidae. It was formerly placed in the family Turdidae. The scientific name is from Latin. Monticola is from mons, montis "mountain", and colere, "to dwell", and saxatilis means "rock-frequenting", from saxum, "stone" .^[3] [more]

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=18 cm, wingspan=33-37 cm, weight=43-63 g
Habitats: Mountain

Vocalisation

Song: Nabu: Den weichen, melodischen Gesang trägt das Männchen zumeist im Singflug vor. [Link]
Song: Song varied and pleasing, and often very difficult to tell from Blue Rock-thrush. It is generally softer, more varied and the deeper notes are less tremulous and vibrating. A higher proportion of the song is in the higher register, with fewer lower fluting sounds, and more mimicry. Both sexes sing, but females less than males. [Link] Song attributes: Melody: improvised melodic, slow, Frequency: 2-8 KHz Special sounds: mimicry