Although spotted in November, this stonechat in Richmond Park, UK still has its summer plumage with black head and rust red breast. By its Dutch name "roodborsttapuit" the similarties between this tiny passerine bird (12-13 cm, up to 17 g) and the robin are evident.
Blackbirds have been under serious threat in Europe since the appearance of the fatal usutu virus in 2016, transmitted by mosquitoes. Their numbers have been in dramatic decline. It's good to see these healthy looking birds in Belgium.
