Northern wheatear

The northern wheatear, often simply referred to as the wheatear, is a charming small bird that was once classified within the thrush family but is now recognized as an Old World flycatcher. These birds can be found across Europe, as well as in North and Central Asia. As migratory creatures, they breed in rocky areas throughout Europe and the Palearctic, with some even establishing nests in parts of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. When winter approaches, they migrate to Africa to escape the cold.

The northern wheatear was first described by the renowned scientist Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Its genus name, Oenanthe, refers to a plant genus and is derived from the Greek words for "wine" and "flower." The English name "wheatear" is believed to originate from "white-arse" a playful reference to the bird’s distinctive white rump. There are four subspecies of the northern wheatear, each with its own unique breeding range.

Slightly larger than a European robin, the northern wheatear exhibits sexual dimorphism in its plumage. Males have a grey back and black wings, while females display a pale brown with buff-colored underparts. Males are also known for their whistling songs and distinctive calls.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the northern wheatear is its extraordinary migratory journeys. These birds travel vast distances between their breeding and wintering grounds, with some even making transoceanic flights. Tracking devices have revealed that these small birds can cover up to 30,000 km in a single migration! They prefer to nest in cavities, often utilizing rabbit burrows. The female constructs the nest and lays the eggs.

Despite their extensive migrations, the northern wheatear is listed as "least concern" on the conservation status scale, owing to their large population size.

Historically, these birds hold a curious place in England. They were once considered a delicacy, and Sussex shepherds would trap them to sell for additional income.