Western Black-eared Wheatear

Overview

The western black-eared wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica) is a small, migratory passerine bird currently classified as an Old World flycatcher in the family Muscicapidae. It is listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• The breeding male features a white or nearly white forehead and crown, buff mantle, and black wings that are darker than those of the northern wheatear.
• A distinctive black mask extends from the ear coverts to the bill, while the back, upper tail coverts, and most of the tail are white.
• Underparts are white tinged with buff, and the throat may appear either black or white.
• Females are browner than males but retain the characteristic white lower back.

Did you know?

The common name 'wheatear' is not derived from wheat or ears of grain, but is a 16th-century linguistic corruption of the phrase 'white arse', referring to the prominent white rump found in most species.