The African stonechat (Saxicola torquatus) is a small, perching bird distinguished by its striking appearance and distinctive call. It is found across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males showcasing a black head, white around the neck, and an orange-red breast that gradually turns white towards the belly. Females are generally browner with less vivid underparts. The amount of orange on the breast differs between subspecies, and some lack the orange coloration entirely. The African stonechat differs from similar species, like the European stonechat (Saxicola rubicola), by its slightly larger size and different vocalizations.
The African stonechat was previously considered the same species as the European stonechat, and, together with a few other stonechat species, was referred to as the common stonechat. Recent studies on the genetics and the vocalizations of these species showed them to be separate, and they are now regarded as different species.
