Whin-chat (Saxicola rubetra; see CHAT), a bird very similar in appearance, especially when it assumes its duller autumn plumage, to the Stone-chat (q.v.). It breeds in many parts of northern and central Europe, as far south as Sicily; but is chiefly a migrant to Mediterranean countries, and winters southwards in Africa as far as the Fanti country and Abyssinia, eastwards in Arabia, Asia Minor, and Northern India. To the British Islands it is a summer visitor, arriving in the middle of April, and reaching its northern quarters about the beginning of May. In Ireland it is rare. It feeds on beetles, insects, worms, and small molluscs. Its song is pleasant. It frequents heaths and commons, whence its name of 'Grass-chat;' and it roosts on the ground. The female is duller in colour than the male.