Western Black-eared Wheatear
Western Black-eared Wheatear
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The Western Black-eared Wheatear is a strikingly patterned migratory wheatear. Males occur in two distinct morphs: one with a black 'mask' and white throat, and another with a full black throat. Both have pale sandy bodies and white rumps.
Where to spot
Breeds in dry, open, rocky, and scrubby areas across Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Winters in sub-Saharan Africa. Found in garrigue and arid shrubland.
How to spot
Look for it in stony hillsides with scattered bushes. Pay close attention to the male's head and throat pattern for identification, and the characteristic wheatear tail flicking behavior. Females are duller, sandier brown.
When to spot
Best observed during the breeding season from April to July. Also during spring (March-April) and autumn (August-September) migration periods.
Where to spot
Breeds in dry, open, rocky, and scrubby areas across Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Winters in sub-Saharan Africa. Found in garrigue and arid shrubland.
How to spot
Look for it in stony hillsides with scattered bushes. Pay close attention to the male's head and throat pattern for identification, and the characteristic wheatear tail flicking behavior. Females are duller, sandier brown.
When to spot
Best observed during the breeding season from April to July. Also during spring (March-April) and autumn (August-September) migration periods.
Credits:
Door Juan Lacruz - Eigen werk, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33118589
The Western Black-eared Wheatear is well-known for its two distinct color morphs (black-throated and white-throated), which can co-exist within the same populations and add a fascinating layer to identification.
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