Siberian Rubythroat
Calliope calliope
The Siberian Rubythroat is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen in the autumn, particularly on the eastern coast, with most sightings occurring in September and October. It is a small, elusive bird that can be difficult to spot, but its distinctive plumage makes it a prized sighting for British birdwatchers.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Siberian Rubythroat in the field.
The Siberian Rubythroat can be identified by its bright red throat patch, white underside, and grey-brown back, with a distinctive white eye-ring and dark tail. Its upright posture and long tail are also notable features.
The Siberian Rubythroat is smaller than a Starling, measuring around 12-14 cm in length, and is similar in size to a Robin.
The male Siberian Rubythroat has a striking red throat patch, which gives the species its name, with a grey-brown back, white underside, and a white eye-ring, with the red throat patch being more vibrant during the breeding season.
The female Siberian Rubythroat has a similar plumage to the male, but with a less vibrant or sometimes absent red throat patch, and a more subdued colouration overall.
The Siberian Rubythroat has a melodic, whistled call, often described as a series of descending phrases, and a song that is a series of short, musical phrases.
The Siberian Rubythroat is a ground-foraging bird, feeding on insects and small invertebrates, and can be seen hopping or running along the ground in search of food, with a distinctive, upright posture and long tail.
The Siberian Rubythroat can be confused with other chat species, such as the Red-breasted Flycatcher or the Stonechat, but can be distinguished by its bright red throat patch, white eye-ring, and grey-brown back, as well as its distinctive call and song.
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