Black wheatear

The black wheatear is a wheatear, a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is found in the Iberian Peninsula and western North Africa.

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Distribution

Region

Iberian Peninsula and Northwest Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs across much of Spain and Portugal and patchily through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Prefers rocky hillsides, cliffs, ravines, and dry scrub with scattered boulders and stone walls. Frequently uses human-made structures such as quarries and abandoned buildings that mimic natural crevices. Nests in cavities and rock holes, often near the ground but well hidden. It is generally sedentary, with some local or altitudinal movements in harsher seasons.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2500 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size16–18 cm

Wing Span26–31 cm

Male Weight0.035 kg

Female Weight0.03 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This striking wheatear is a specialist of rocky, sun-baked slopes and gorges around the western Mediterranean. Males famously carry and pile stones near nest sites, sometimes amassing impressive cairns. It often flicks its tail to reveal a bold white rump and tail pattern, a key field mark at a distance. Pairs defend territories year-round in many areas.

Gallery

Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with brief glides

Social Behavior

Typically found singly or in pairs, maintaining territories throughout the year. Monogamous pairs nest in rock crevices, walls, or cavities, lining the nest with plant material. Males often transport stones and build piles near nest sites, a distinctive behavior among wheatears. Both parents feed the chicks.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

The song is a series of clear, fluty whistles mixed with short rattles delivered from prominent perches. Calls include sharp tacks and chacks, often given during tail-flicking displays.

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Identification

Leg Colorblackish-grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Mostly uniform dark plumage with a contrasting white rump and largely white tail showing a bold terminal black band.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds mainly on ground-dwelling insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars, as well as spiders and other small invertebrates. Supplements its diet with berries and small fruits, especially in autumn and winter. Occasionally hawks insects in short sallies from rocks or low perches. Forages by hopping and short dashes among stones, probing crevices for prey.

Preferred Environment

Open, rocky terrain with sparse vegetation where prey is exposed. Frequently uses boulder fields, scree slopes, cliff bases, and dry scrub with scattered rocks. Also forages along stone terraces and walls in rural landscapes.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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