Variable Wheatear

The Variable Wheatear, Oenanthe picata, is a bird that thrives in arid and semi-arid regions. It is a member of the Muscicapidae family, displaying a fascinating polymorphism with three distinct morphs. The species is locally abundant and can be found in a variety of settings including barren rocky areas, sand dunes with sparse vegetation, cultivated lands, ravines, and the peripheries of villages and nomadic encampments.

Identification Tips

The Variable Wheatear exhibits three morphs, each with unique characteristics. The Black-bellied phase ('opistholeuca') features a male with a striking jet black body, save for the white rump, under tail-coverts, base, and sides of the tail. The central rectrices and terminal band of the tail are black. The female is similar but has sooty black replacing the black parts. The White-bellied phase ('picata') presents a male resembling the Black-bellied phase but with a white belly. The female is akin to the male but with greyish brown replacing the black parts and a more buffish belly. The White-crowned phase ('capistrata') has a male with a white belly and black throat, distinguished by a white crown and nape. The female mirrors the male but with earthy brown replacing the black parts and crown, and a more buffish belly.

Habitat

The Variable Wheatear is at home in hot deserts, where it can be commonly observed.

Distribution

This species has a wide range, found across Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan.

Behaviour

The Variable Wheatear arrives at its breeding grounds in March or mid-April, depending on the region, and stays until September. In winter, it can be seen from the beginning of August until the end of March, frequenting stony semi-deserts, deserts with sparse scrub, and human-altered landscapes such as cultivated fields and village outskirts.

Conservation status

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