Red-rumped wheatear

The red-rumped wheatear or buff-rumped wheatear is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in North Africa and the Middle East.

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Distribution

Region

North Africa and the Middle East

Typical Environment

Occurs from the Maghreb east across Libya and Egypt into the Sinai and parts of the Levant. It favors open, stony semi-desert, steppe, and sparsely vegetated wadis with scattered rocks and low shrubs. Agricultural edges and fallow fields near arid plains may also be used outside the breeding season. The species is largely sedentary but makes local movements in response to rainfall and temperature.

Altitude Range

0–2500 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size14–16 cm

Wing Span25–30 cm

Male Weight0.022 kg

Female Weight0.02 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the buff-rumped wheatear, this arid-country songbird is noted for its striking rufous rump and contrasting tail pattern. Males often sing from stone perches with clear, whistled phrases and may include mimicry of other birds. It nests low in cavities such as rock crevices or abandoned burrows, well adapted to sparse, stony landscapes. Pairs defend territories and use elevated lookouts to spot prey on open ground.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights between perches

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season when pairs defend territories. Nests are placed in rock crevices, walls, or abandoned rodent burrows and are lined with fine plant material. Both parents tend the young, and adults frequently use prominent stones as lookout posts for foraging and vigilance.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

The male delivers clear, whistled phrases and trills from exposed perches, with a melodic, carrying quality. Calls include sharp chatters and ‘chak’ notes used in contact and alarm. Song may incorporate brief mimicry of nearby species.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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