Wheatear

Wheatears are small passerine birds that belong to the genus Oenanthe. Originally believed to be part of the thrush family, Turdidae, they are now commonly classified under the flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. Though primarily found in the Old World, the northern wheatear has successfully established populations in parts of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska.

Interestingly, the name "wheatear" has no connection to wheat or ears. It is derived from an old folk term combining "white" and "arse" referring to the distinctive white rump visible in most species. The genus name Oenanthe originates from the Greek words for "wine" and "flower" alluding to the northern wheatear's return to Greece around the time grapevines begin to bloom.

The genus Oenanthe was introduced by the French ornithologist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot in 1816. Birds within this genus often exhibit striking black and white or red and white markings and display strong sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look quite different, with males typically showcasing more vivid plumage.

There are 29 species within the genus Oenanthe, including the well-known northern wheatear. These birds are insectivores and prefer open, often arid habitats. They usually nest in rock crevices or abandoned burrows. The northern wheatear is particularly notable for its long migrations to Africa during the winter months.

The fossil record of wheatears includes species like Oenanthe kormosi from the Late Miocene of Hungary and Oenanthe pongraczi from the Pliocene of Csarnota, Hungary. Molecular studies have refined the taxonomy of this genus, clarifying its relationships with related genera such as Cercomela.