The
Blue Rock Thrush or
Blue Rock-Thrush (
Monticola solitarius) is a member of the
thrush family (
Turdidae).
This species breeds in
southern Europe and northwest
Africa, and from
central Asia to northern
China and
Malaysia.
The European,
north African and southeast Asian birds are mainly resident, apart from altitudinal movements. Other Asian populations are more
migratory, wintering in
sub-Saharan Africa,
India and
southeast Asia. This bird is a very uncommon visitor to
northern and
western Europe.
Blue Rock Thrush breeds in open mountainous areas, usually higher than the breeding zone of the related
Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush. It nests in rock cavities and walls, and usually lays 3-5
eggs. An
omnivore, the Blue Rock Thrush eats a wide variety of
insects in addition to berries.
This is a largish thrush, 21-23cm in length with a long slim bill. The summer male is unmistakable, with all blue-grey plumage apart from its darker wings. Females and immatures are much less striking, with dark brown upperparts, and paler brown scaly underparts. Both sexes lack the reddish outer tail feathers of Rock Thrush.
The male Blue Rock Thrush sings a clear, melodious call that is similar to, but louder than the call of the Rock Thrush.
The Blue Rock Thrush is
Malta's national bird and is shown on the
Lm 1 coins of the country.
Reference: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia