About Saxicola tectes (Gmelin, 1789)
This species, currently referred to by the scientific name Saxicola tectes (Gmelin, 1789), shows distinct sexual plumage dimorphism. Overall, breeding males have black plumage on their upperparts and white plumage on their underparts. Males also have a white supercilium, which is sometimes absent; a white half-collar; a white patch on the greater coverts; and a variable-sized orange patch on the breast. Females differ noticeably from males: they have browner upperparts, more buff-toned underparts, and often lack the white greater covert patch that is typical of males. Compared to the closely related African stonechat, Saxicola torquatus, the most prominent external distinguishing features are this species' white throat and usually white supercilium. The African stonechat S. torquatus has a completely black head, including both the throat and the supercilium.
