16 A HANDBOOK OF EUROPEAN BIRDS. 
STONFCHAT. V1 
Pratincola rubicola (Zznz.) 
Adult Male (Summer): Feathers of fore parts above 
black, with brown margins ; wpper tazl-coverts and some of greater 
wing-coverts white , wing and tail-feathers black, with brown 
margins; entire sides of face and ¢hvoat black ; large patch on 
sides of neck white; chest and flanks rufous-brown, shading 
into yellowish-white on abdomen; axillaries usually white, 
mottled with black; bill, legs, and feet black ; irides brown. 
Length 5°25 inches; culmen 0°4; wing 2°75; tail 2); tarsus 
0'9. 
Adult Female (Summer): Above blackish-brown, with 
reddish margins to most of the feathers ; very little white on 
wings ; throat feathers blackish at bases, margined with white 
or pale rufous at tip. 
Adult Male (Winter): Feathers above bordered with 
reddish-brown ; paler beneath than in summer. - 
Young in first plumage: Feathers above dark brown, 
with median streaks of lighter brown ; quills and tail-feathers 
broadly margined with buff; no white on sides of neck. 
Distribution: Inhabits temperate Europe west of the 
Volga; winters in Africa. 
Habitat: Barren moors or commons: partial to thorn- 
thickets and furze-bushes. 
EASTERN STONECHAT. 
Pratincola maura (Fa//.) 
Adult Male: Resembles adult male of P. rudbicola, but 
has the upper tatl-coverts unspotted, white, the white collar 
more extended, and the ax:lartes black. Length 4°75 inches ; 
culmen 0°35; wing 2°7 ;-tailj 1°38; tarsus 1-75. 
Adult Female: Chin and throat white, otherwise like 
female of P. rudzicola. 
Distribution: Central Asia and Siberia, ranging into 
North-eastern Russia. Common in the Petchora Valley. 
Habitat: Low bushes and thickets, cultivated regions. 
