A widespread species from the Iberian peninsular to Kazakhstan, there are three races described but Kazakhstan birds do not seem to be "assigned" to any. In
decline in Mediterranean areas due to habitat loss, this and the fact that it is only a partial migrant probably accounts for the low numbers of UK records. It is a very difficult bird to catch up with, most records are
one or two-day birds, only two staying longer, on Isle of May and Fair Isle, which has hosted no less than eight. The last confirmed record was 2021, although there have been several possibles, or birds on the move which
were not seen again. The black markings on the upper breast seem vary variable, young birds and females showing less black.
Photos L to R Extremadura Spain 2017, Kazakhstan 2022, Extremadura Spain 2017.
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