The eastern black-eared wheatear is a wheatear, a small migratory passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now considered to be an Old World flycatcher. It was formerly considered conspecific with the western black-eared wheatear.
Region
Southeast Europe and Western Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds from the Balkans and Greece through Turkey and the Caucasus to parts of the Near East. Prefers dry, open country with sparse shrubs, rocky slopes, stony pastures, and traditional farmland mosaics. Often found around stone terraces, ruins, and low scrub such as phrygana and maquis. In winter it migrates to arid and semi-arid zones of northeastern Africa and the Sahel, using open savanna and shrub-steppe. It avoids dense woodland and humid wetlands, keeping to sunlit, ground-dominated habitats.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The eastern black-eared wheatear was split from the western black-eared wheatear and is now treated as a distinct species in the Old World flycatcher family. Males occur in two main morphs, with either a black throat or a pale throat, both showing a striking black ear patch and white rump. It frequently flicks its tail and perches conspicuously on rocks before sallying out to catch prey. Nests are typically placed in holes in walls, rock crevices, or banks.
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low swooping sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs on breeding grounds, holding open territories with prominent song posts. Typically monogamous, nesting in cavities in rocks, walls, or banks lined with plant material and hair. Outside the breeding season it may travel in loose groups during migration and at favored feeding sites.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a varied, scratchy warble with whistles and buzzes delivered from a perch or in short song-flights. Calls include sharp chacks and soft tacs typical of wheatears. Phrases are repeated with pauses, often accelerating during display.
Plumage
Male shows clean white to buff-white crown and back with a bold black mask and ear coverts; throat either black or pale depending on morph; wings dark with contrasting white rump and largely white tail with a broad black terminal band. Female is warmer sandy-brown above with paler underparts and a subdued, dusky ear patch. Both sexes display crisp tail patterning and a neat, upright stance.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, and grasshoppers, as well as spiders and other small invertebrates. It hunts from low perches or the ground, making short dashes and pounces. Occasionally takes small berries in late summer and on migration.
Preferred Environment
Forages on open, stony ground, grazed hillsides, and field margins with scattered shrubs and rocks. Often searches around stone walls, boulders, and bare soil where prey is easy to spot and capture.
