The Kurdish wheatear, also known as the Kurdistan wheatear, the chestnut-rumped wheatear or the red-rumped wheatear, is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. The red-tailed wheatear was formerly considered a subspecies of this bird but is now often regarded as a separate species. The two may intergrade in Iran but it is also possible that the rather differently coloured cummingi is in fact a one-year-old O. xanthoprymna with intermediate plumage.
Region
Middle East
Typical Environment
Breeds in rocky uplands and montane steppe of southeastern Turkey, northern Iraq, and western Iran. In the non-breeding season it moves to lower, drier plains and foothills across Mesopotamia and adjacent regions. Prefers open slopes with scattered shrubs, stony wadis, and scree, often near lightly grazed pasture or fallow fields. It uses rock crevices and banks for nesting and forages in open ground with sparse cover.
Altitude Range
600–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called Kurdistan wheatear or chestnut-rumped wheatear, it is named for its rich rufous rump and tail coverts. The red-tailed wheatear (Oenanthe chrysopygia) was once treated as a subspecies but is now usually recognized as a separate species; limited intergradation may occur where ranges meet in Iran. It favors rocky, semi-arid uplands and often perches conspicuously on boulders or low shrubs.
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Breeds in solitary pairs with defended territories. Nest is placed in rock crevices, earthen banks, or under stones, lined with fine plant material. Both parents feed the nestlings, and fledglings remain near the nesting territory for a short period.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Male delivers a brief but musical warble interspersed with trills and chat-like phrases, often from a prominent rock or low bush. Calls include a dry 'chak' and thin whistles used in contact and alarm.
