The stonechat loves to showcase its singing skills from the edge of a heath or open natural area. From a post or shrub top, you'll hear its cheerful ‘weet tk tk’. With this, it tries to win over the females. Head out with binoculars and scout the higher spots to spot a stonechat.
The male stonechat stands out with its bright orange breast, dark head, and white collar. The female also has an orange breast, but it is less bright than that of the male. The brown female is therefore less noticeable, just like the young ones. The stonechats can thrive with their long legs and short tail in heathlands and open nature.
Most stonechats migrate south to warmer areas in the autumn. During a mild winter, they return to the Netherlands in February. Some stubborn stonechats find the south too far. They trust that the winter won't be too harsh and stay in De Maasduinen. As a result, it's a bird species that can sometimes be spotted in the winter as well. It can be found throughout the Maasduinen area, preferably in the heathlands, marshes, and open sandy areas.
