Whinchat
Saxicola rubetra
UK Amber ListModerate📍 Lakeland moorland
Season
April to September. Summer visitor.
Best time of day
Morning. Perches on fence posts.
Lake District
Rough grassland. Moorland. That white eyebrow. Different to stonechat. Fence posts. April to August. Declining.
UK population
Around 40,000 pairs. Declining.
Overview
Whinchats are like stonechats. That white eyebrow. Rough grassland. Moorland. Fence posts. April to August. Declining. Less common than stonechat.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Habitat | Rough grassland · Moorland · Heath |
| Diet | Insects. Perches and drops. |
| UK population | Around 40,000 pairs. Declining. |
| Lake District | Rough grassland. Moorland. That white eyebrow. Different to stonechat. Fence posts. April to August. Declining. |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Rough grassland, moorland. The fells, Foulshaw Moss. That white eyebrow. Similar to stonechat. Less common.
Identification
White eyebrow. Buff breast. Similar to stonechat. White eyebrow is the key. Summer only.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Rough grassland. Moorland. That white eyebrow. Summer. Less common than stonechat.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.