Bird ID north east scotland

[Jimarilo]

I came across a small bird, tit sized, the head was completely black with a precise white collar round its neck and a brown body

Checked the Gallery and can't find a look alike

Cheers

[artdemole]

Marsh Tit and Willow Tit are similar.Might be one of these.

[thebeard]

reed bunting?

[RobinP]

Male Stonechat perhaps?

[stigofthedump]

Well I'm no bird expert but maybe a Stone Chat?


Vince

[valleyforge]

Originally Posted by artdemole

Marsh Tit and Willow Tit are similar.Might be one of these.

Neither of these are generally present in NE Scotland, unfortunately.

Coal Tit is of course a possibility if Jimarilo isn't too familiar with them, but from the description I'd be more inclined to go with male Stonechat too.

[astarsdad]

Hi,
I would also include whitetroat in your list of possibilities.

Terry

[Jimarilo]

Thanks for the replies, having looked at pictures Iam convinced it was indeed a Stonechat (male)

First time I have ever seen one are they a rare sight ?

Cheers

[valleyforge]

They are certainly not that common in the NE of Scotland, Jimarilo ... in fact I've never seen one this side of the Great Glen.

Rather more common on the west coast and normally seen where there are lots of gorse bushes. A good sighting, I'd say.

[astarsdad]

I don't think they are a rare sight in the right habitat. I live in a changing rural, agricultural type of area and have never saw one in my area. So I would say they are rare in a lot of areas. I saw my first stonechat in Majorca in the 80's, where they are very, very common. That type of rough pasture, sandy and stoney ground, gorse and thick bushes seems the ideal habitat for them.
Terry