The Abyssinian wheatear, or Abyssinian black wheatear, is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae, the Old World flycatchers and chats. It is found from Ethiopia to southern Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania.
Region
Horn of Africa and East African Rift
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Ethiopian Highlands south through Eritrea and northern Kenya to north-eastern Tanzania, favoring rugged, stony landscapes. Typical habitats include rocky slopes, cliffs, gorges, basalt and lava fields, boulder-strewn scrub, and dry montane grassland edges. It also utilizes human-made structures such as stone terraces and walls where natural crevices are available. Birds are generally sedentary but may shift locally in response to rainfall and food availability.
Altitude Range
1200–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This chat favors rocky escarpments and lava fields, often perching conspicuously on boulders while flicking its tail to expose a white rump. It nests deep in rock crevices, walls, or stone piles, using grasses and hair to line the cup. Males are strikingly dark while females are browner and more muted, making the species a classic example of sexual dimorphism in wheatears.
Oenanthe l. schalowi
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining rocky territories year-round. Pairs nest in crevices, cavities in stone walls, or under rocks, laying a small clutch that both parents attend. Courtship and territorial displays often involve tail-fanning to highlight the white rump.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Male delivers a varied, wheatear-like warble of whistles, chattering phrases, and scratchy notes from exposed rock perches. Calls include sharp tacks and chatters used in alarm or contact.
