Red-rumped Wheatear

The Red-rumped Wheatear, also known as the Buff-rumped Wheatear, is a bird of compact build with a notable rufous rump and an entirely dark tail. The male is distinguished by its grey crown and nape, a striking black throat and face, and a white supercilium. Its shoulders and back are adorned with black feathers edged in white. The rump and base of the tail are a rich rufous, while the distal part of the tail is black. The female presents a paler appearance with a rufous crown and cheeks. Juveniles bear resemblance to females but are less rufous and exhibit faint spots and streaks. This species measures approximately 16 cm in length and is characterized by a low, loose flapping flight reminiscent of a skylark.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Red-rumped Wheatear, look for the male's black face and throat, grey crown, and the distinctive rufous rump and tail base. Females and juveniles are paler and less distinctly marked but still show the characteristic rufous tones. The flight pattern is a useful clue, as it is similar to that of a skylark.

Habitat

This species shuns true deserts, preferring flat terrains, particularly those near saline or barren landscapes. In Morocco, it can be found in more vegetated areas compared to the Desert Wheatear, and it also inhabits rocky hills.

Distribution

The Red-rumped Wheatear is native to North Africa and the Middle East. It is divided into two subspecies: Oenanthe moesta brooksbanki, found from southern Syria and Jordan to northwestern Saudi Arabia and southwestern Iraq, and Oenanthe moesta moesta, which ranges from the extreme north of Mauritania to coastal northwestern Egypt.

Behaviour

The breeding season for the Red-rumped Wheatear extends from late February to June in North Africa, with the possibility of up to three broods. Nests are typically placed in small mammal burrows, sometimes up to 2 meters underground, or within natural holes or cavities in walls, occasionally concealed beneath a bush. The nest is a cup-shaped structure crafted from plant material and lined with feathers, wool, hair, and occasionally shed snakeskin. Clutches usually consist of 4-5 eggs, but detailed knowledge of this species' breeding behaviour remains scarce.

Song & Calls

The Red-rumped Wheatear's territorial song varies geographically, with a harsher chattering song in the west and a more melodious, pleasant, and repetitive "twee-churr-urr-urr" in Cyrenaica. The courtship song is akin to the sound of an old-fashioned boiling kettle—a long, warbling whistle that rises in pitch and is performed in duet by both sexes. Alarm and contact calls are typical of chats, consisting of harsh clicks.

Conservation Status

The Red-rumped Wheatear is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.