Characteristic upright posture and rusty-red tail which is flicked at regular intervals. Adult male has black throat, grey mantle and bright white forehead. The female is grey-brown above with warm buff underparts, a pale throat and white eye-ring

Breeds in open broad-leaved and pine woodland, heathland, orchards, parks, large gardens and hill districts with stone walls and old quarries.

From spring to autumn

Declining and, as a result, is on the 'Amber List' of Birds of Conservation Concern

Uncommon passage migrant and now in decline as an uncommon breeder