The hooded wheatear is a wheatear, a small insectivorous passerine 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.
Region
Middle East and adjacent North Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in arid, rocky deserts from the Sinai and eastern Egypt through Israel and Jordan to the Arabian Peninsula, and east into Iran and southwestern Pakistan. Prefers barren slopes, escarpments, cliffs, and boulder-strewn wadis with sparse vegetation. Often found near dry watercourses and at the edges of oases where insects are concentrated. It uses ledges and crevices for nesting and perches on prominent rocks to hunt.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The hooded wheatear is a small insectivorous passerine historically placed with thrushes but now in the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae). Males show a striking black-and-white contrast that makes them easy to spot on sunlit cliffs and wadis. They nest in rock crevices and often perch conspicuously to sally out for flying insects. Adapted to harsh deserts, they can go long periods without free water, deriving moisture from prey.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent low sallies
Social Behavior
Outside breeding, individuals are typically solitary or in pairs. During the breeding season they defend rocky territories and nest in cavities, crevices, or holes among rocks. Both adults attend the nest, and fledglings remain near rocky cover while being fed.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short, scratchy warble interspersed with whistles, delivered from a prominent rock or cliff ledge. Calls include sharp chacks and thin, high-pitched notes used during foraging and territorial displays.
Plumage
Male shows a bold contrast with a white crown and nape forming a 'hood' against otherwise glossy black upperparts and underparts; rump and base of tail are white with a black terminal band. Female is sandy-brown to gray-brown above with paler underparts and a subdued wheatear tail pattern. Both sexes have a slender black bill and long black legs.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, ants, flies, and grasshoppers, as well as spiders and other small arthropods. It hunts by perching on rocks and making short sallies to the ground or into the air. Prey is often taken on open gravel or among scattered shrubs, and larger items are beaten against stones before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Open rocky desert, cliffs, and wadis with sparse vegetation where prey is visible and perches are abundant. Frequently forages near small oases or ephemeral watercourses that concentrate insects.
