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Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameOenanthe oenanthe FamilyChats and thrushes (Turdidae) OverviewThe wheatear is a small mainly ground-dwelling bird. It hops or runs on the ground. It is blue-grey above with black wings and white below with an orange flush to the breast. It has a black cheek. In flight it shows a white rump and a black 'T' shape on its tail. It is a summer visitor and passage migrant. Birds breed mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland, although smaller numbers do breed in southern and eastern England. It winters in central Africa. Where to see themIn the breeding season, best looked for on upland suitable habitat in northern and western Britain. May be seen on passage at coastal migration watchpoints and inland. When to see themMarch to October What they eatInsects and larvae. Estimated numbers
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Find out moreAudio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |
 Male  Female Similar birdsHelp the WheatearThe RSPB is working for a better environment for birds and people. Join today and add your voice. |
Bowland view - Charlie Hedley, Countryside Agency
Juvenile Wheatear on dry-stone wall, RSPB Ramsey Island reserve - RSPB Images - Ben Hall (rspb-images.com, Ref: D_2006_11672_0031 )
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)