Eastern Black-eared Wheatear

The Eastern black-eared wheatear, Oenanthe melanoleuca, is a small, migratory passerine bird, once thought to be part of the thrush family but now classified under the Old World flycatchers. It is closely related to, yet distinct from, the Western black-eared wheatear.

Identification Tips

The breeding male is characterized by a predominantly white or near-white forehead, crown, and mantle with a buff tinge, contrasting with darker wings than those of the Northern wheatear. The underparts are white with a buff hue. The back, upper tail coverts, and most of the tail are white, while a striking black mask connects the ear coverts to the bill. The throat may be black or white. In non-breeding plumage, the bird's head and mantle take on a buff color, as do the underparts, with the intensity of the buff varying. The tail feathers, save for the central pair, are predominantly white, often extending to the tip on the inner web.

Habitat

This species breeds in the eastern Mediterranean, extending its range through Southeast Europe to the Caspian Sea and Iran.

Distribution

After the breeding season, the Eastern black-eared wheatear migrates to its wintering grounds in the Sudan.

Behaviour

The Eastern black-eared wheatear exhibits a migratory pattern and distinct seasonal changes in plumage. The male's appearance is more black-and-white when compared to the Western black-eared wheatear, especially due to the less buff-tinted upperparts.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in the eastern Mediterranean and extends to Southeast Europe, the Caspian Sea, and Iran.

Similar Species

The male Eastern black-eared wheatear can be distinguished from the Western black-eared wheatear by its whiter upperparts and the black mask that reaches just above the base of the bill. Black-throated individuals have more black on the throat and face, with the black typically ending more abruptly or in a straighter line. Females are colder in color and duller compared to their Western counterparts.