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.
The Variable Wheatear exhibits three morphs, each with unique characteristics:
The Variable Wheatear is at home in hot deserts, where it can be commonly observed.
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.
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.
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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.