The Cyprus wheatear or Cyprus pied wheatear is a small, 14–15 cm long passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher, Muscicapidae. It was formerly treated as a subspecies (race) of pied wheatear but Sluys and van den Berg (1982) argued that the form deserved full species status, on the basis of differences in biometrics and especially song, and the lack of sexual plumage dimorphism in cypriaca.
Region
Eastern Mediterranean (Cyprus) and Northeast Africa (wintering)
Typical Environment
Breeds across Cyprus in open pine forests, maquis and phrygana scrub, rocky hillsides, orchards, and clearings with scattered trees. Prefers semi-open habitats with lookout perches and patches of bare ground for foraging. During migration it uses coastal scrub and open farmland. In winter it occupies dry savanna, bushy grassland, and open woodland in countries such as Sudan, Eritrea, and Ethiopia.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1900 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Cyprus wheatears breed only on Cyprus but migrate to wintering grounds in northeast Africa. Unlike many wheatears, males and females look very similar, both showing a striking black face and throat with a clean white supercilium and rump. The species often delivers an energetic, varied song from prominent perches and in fluttering song-flights. It was split from Pied Wheatear based on biometrics and especially distinctive vocalizations.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies; fluttering song-flights
Social Behavior
Territorial during the breeding season, typically nesting in cavities among rocks, walls, or banks. Pairs are monogamous, and males sing from exposed perches to advertise territories. Outside breeding, individuals are more tolerant and may occur loosely with other small insectivores.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A lively, varied series of scratchy warbles, whistles, and trills delivered from perches or during hovering song-flights. The song is more complex and rapid than in Pied Wheatear and is a key identification feature in the field.
Plumage
Both sexes show contrasting black face and throat with a clean white supercilium and forehead, brownish upperparts, and pale underparts. The rump is white and the tail shows a bold black terminal band forming a T-pattern. Plumage lacks strong sexual dimorphism compared with related wheatears.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, ants, flies, and caterpillars, as well as spiders and other small invertebrates. Captures prey by sallying from low perches, pouncing on the ground, and short aerial hawking. Occasionally takes small berries during migration when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open, stony ground with sparse vegetation, along paths, clearings, and edges of scrub or pine woodland. Often uses rocks, shrubs, and fence posts as lookouts to scan for prey.
