Western Black-eared Wheatear

The Western Black-eared Wheatear, Oenanthe hispanica, is a small, migratory passerine bird with a charming appearance. It is an Old World flycatcher belonging to the family Muscicapidae. The male, during the breeding season, is adorned with a white or nearly white forehead and crown, a buff mantle, and wings darker than those of the Northern Wheatear. Its underparts are a delicate white with a hint of buff, while the back, upper tail coverts, and most of the tail boast a striking white. A distinctive black mask connects the ear coverts to the bill. The throat may present itself in either black or white.

Identification Tips

In the non-breeding season, the bird's head and mantle take on a buff hue, as do the underparts, including the throat in non-black-throated individuals. The tail feathers, save for the central pair, are much whiter than those of the Northern Wheatear, with the white often extending to the tip on the inner web. The female is a browner bird with less marked seasonal changes but retains the characteristic white lower back.

Habitat

The Western Black-eared Wheatear frequents a variety of open landscapes where it can forage and nest.

Distribution

This species is known to grace the landscapes of Southern Europe and North Africa with its presence.

Behaviour

The Western Black-eared Wheatear is a migratory bird, traversing vast distances with the changing seasons. It exhibits a range of behaviors typical of passerine birds.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Western Black-eared Wheatear are a delightful symphony in their natural habitat, contributing to the bird's unique character.

Breeding

During the breeding season, the male Western Black-eared Wheatear showcases a more buff-tinged upperpart, which distinguishes it from its Eastern counterpart.

Similar Species

The male can be distinguished from the Eastern Black-eared Wheatear by its more buff-tinged upperparts and the black mask that stops at the base of the bill. The black-throated individuals have less black on the throat and face than Eastern birds, and the black generally terminates less abruptly. Females are warmer brown overall compared to their Eastern counterparts.

Diet and Feeding

The Western Black-eared Wheatear partakes in a diet typical of small passerines, foraging for sustenance in its environment.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Western Black-eared Wheatear as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.