Beta
The Stonechat
The stonechat is a similar size to a robin, with distinctive markings. Males can be distinguished by their black head, brown back, black throat and a white half collar - females and juveniles are paler.
This bird often sits on top of gorse bushes, flicking its wings. Its distinctive call sounds like two stones being rubbed together, hence where its name came from.
The heathers, gorse and Scots pine on Horsell Common suit the stonechat perfectly. They nest in dense vegetation and trees. The stonechat feeds on insects, berries, seeds, slugs and even small frogs.
For more information on the stonechat and other wildlife of Horsell Common, please visit the HCPS website.
You might like...
Tasmanian Pademelon
The Tasmanian pademelon is a small wallaby that inhabits the dense forests of Tasmania. Picture: Dan Broun
Myrtle beech
The Myrtle beech, or simply 'Myrtle' is the dominant species of Tasmania's rainforests. Myrtle trees can grow up to 55m tall, and have a heart-shaped dark green leaf with a tiny serrated edge.
The Nightjar
This elusive, nocturnal hunting bird is a resident of Horsell Common during the spring and summer months.
Newsletter
Sign up to keep in touch with articles, updates, events or news from Kuno, your platform for nature