Isabelline Wheatear

1 week ago

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Spotted

The Isabelline Wheatear is a large, pale, and relatively plain wheatear, named for its sandy 'isabelline' plumage. It often holds a very upright posture and is found in open, arid environments.

Where to spot

Breeds across Central Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe. Winters in Africa and Southwest Asia. Found in open steppes, semi-deserts, and agricultural fields.

How to spot

Look for its upright stance and pale, sandy coloration. It has a distinctive tail pattern similar to the Northern Wheatear, but often with less extensive black. Listen for its harsh, grating calls.

When to spot

Best observed during the breeding season from April to July, and during migration (March-April, September-October) when it can be found in more varied open habitats.

Where to spot

Breeds across Central Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe. Winters in Africa and Southwest Asia. Found in open steppes, semi-deserts, and agricultural fields.

How to spot

Look for its upright stance and pale, sandy coloration. It has a distinctive tail pattern similar to the Northern Wheatear, but often with less extensive black. Listen for its harsh, grating calls.

When to spot

Best observed during the breeding season from April to July, and during migration (March-April, September-October) when it can be found in more varied open habitats.

Credits: Door Imran Shah from Islamabad, Pakistan - Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina), CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81867434

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

The Isabelline Wheatear is known for digging its own burrows for nesting, often in soft soil or sandy banks, which is unusual among wheatears that typically nest in rock crevices or pre-existing holes.

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