Saxicola rubicola, commonly known as the European Stonechat, is predominantly found across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Western and Central Asia. Its range includes countries from Ireland and the UK in the west, stretching across continental Europe to Russia, and down to Turkey and Iran.

The European Stonechat typically inhabits open landscapes like grasslands, heathlands, scrublands, and agricultural fields that provide plentiful perching and feeding opportunities. They prefer regions with a temperate climate but can also tolerate Mediterranean climatic conditions in parts of their range.

This species is commonly found in environments where they can hunt for insects and other small invertebrates. They often perch on top of low shrubs or fences to spot prey, and their presence is indicative of healthy, biodiverse ecosystems. Variations in habitat may occur, with some subspecies showing adaptations to slightly different environmental conditions in their localized areas.