Monticola is from mons, montis "mountain", and colere, "to dwell", and saxatilis means "rock-frequenting", from saxum, "stone" .

For example, in the early 20th century it bred in the Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska (Poland) where none occur today,[4] but it is not considered globally endangered.

The summer male is unmistakable, with a blue-grey head, orange underparts and outer tail feathers, dark brown wings and white back.

[5] This species breeds in open dry hilly areas, usually above 1500 m. It nests in rock cavities, laying 4–5 eggs.

It is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, berries and small reptiles.