The desert wheatear is a wheatear, a small 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 is a migratory insectivorous species, 14.5 to 15 cm in length. Both western and eastern forms of the desert wheatear are rare vagrants to western Europe. The western desert wheatear breeds in the Sahara and the northern Arabian Peninsula. The eastern race is found in the semi-deserts of Central Asia and in winter in Pakistan and northeast Africa.
Region
North Africa, Middle East, and Central Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds widely across the Sahara and northern Arabian Peninsula, and in semi-deserts of Central Asia. In winter it moves to northeast Africa, Pakistan, and adjoining regions. Prefers open stony deserts, gravel plains, dunes with sparse shrubs, and dry wadis. It often uses rocky outcrops and scattered vegetation for perches and nesting.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The desert wheatear is a small Old World flycatcher formerly placed with the thrushes. It is well adapted to harsh deserts, often perching on rocks or low shrubs and frequently flicking its tail. Western and eastern forms occasionally appear as rare vagrants in western Europe. Males show an extensive black face and throat that helps separate them from similar wheatears.
Female desert wheatear
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs on territory during breeding, nesting in ground cavities, crevices, or burrows lined with plant fibers. Outside the breeding season it can occur loosely with other small passerines around food-rich patches. Courtship involves conspicuous perching and tail-flicking displays.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a soft, varied warble with imitations, delivered from a perch or short song-flights. Calls include a sharp chak and a thin tsee, often given while tail-flicking.
