The Blue Rock Thrush is 21-23 cm in length with a long slim bill. It breeds in open mountainous areas found in southern Europe and northwest Africa, and from central Asia to northern China and Malaysia.
Monticola solitarius nests in rock cavities and walls, and usually lays 3-5 eggs. The Blue Rock Thrush is an ominvore, eating a wide variety of insects and small reptiles in addition to berries and seeds.
The summer male is unmistakable, with all blue-grey plumage apart from its darker wings. Females and immatures are much less striking, with dark brown upperparts, and paler brown scaly underparts.
The male Blue Rock Thrush sings a clear, melodious call that is similar to, but louder than the call of the Rock Thrush.
The Blue Rock Thrush is Malta's national bird.
[All text: Ref (38)]
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