The Atlas wheatear, also known as the black-throated wheatear or Seebohm's wheatear, is a small passerine bird which breeds in the Maghreb region of North Africa and winters in the western Sahel. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the northern wheatear as O. o. seebohmi, but was reclassified as a distinct species by the IOC in 2021.
Region
Northwest Africa and western Sahel
Typical Environment
Breeds in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria, with smaller presence in adjacent ranges. Prefers open, stony alpine and subalpine habitats with sparse shrubs, rocky slopes, and high plateaus. Nests in ground cavities, rock crevices, or old burrows, lined with grasses and hair. In winter it moves south to the western Sahel, using open savanna, fallow fields, and semi-desert edges with scattered shrubs and wadis.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Seebohm's wheatear or black-throated wheatear, it breeds in the Atlas Mountains of the Maghreb and winters in the western Sahel. Long treated as a subspecies of the northern wheatear, it was elevated to full species by the IOC in 2021. Males show a striking black throat and face with a contrasting white crown and rump, while females are subtler and browner. It forages from rocks and low perches, sallying to the ground to snap up insects.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, bounding flights
Social Behavior
Typically breeds in isolated pairs defending rocky territories. The nest is placed in crevices or burrows and the pair raises a single brood, with both parents feeding nestlings. Outside the breeding season it may gather loosely in feeding areas but remains fairly dispersed.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a scratchy, varied warble with clear whistles and harsher chattering notes, delivered from prominent rocks or short song-flights. Calls include a sharp tick or chak typical of wheatears.
