The rusty-breasted wheatear is a species of bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae that is native to the Ethiopian Highlands.
Region
Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
This species is confined to high-elevation plateaus and escarpments of the Ethiopian Highlands, extending into adjacent highlands of Eritrea. It favors open rocky slopes, alpine grasslands, and shrubby moorlands with scattered boulders. It also uses human-modified highland habitats such as grazed pastures, fields with stone fences, and road cuts. Nests are placed in rock crevices, walls, or holes on steep banks.
Altitude Range
1600–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The rusty-breasted wheatear is a small, ground-oriented chat of rocky uplands, confined to the Ethiopian Highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea. It often perches on boulders and stone walls, sallying out to snatch insects before returning to the same lookout. Like many wheatears, it shows a striking white rump and contrasting tail pattern in flight. Its song is a varied, scratchy warble delivered from exposed perches.
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low sallies
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs defend feeding territories and nest in cavities among rocks or walls, lining the nest with fine plant material. Post-breeding family groups may linger locally but seldom form large flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied, scratchy warble with whistles and chattering notes, delivered from prominent rock perches. Calls include sharp tacks and soft trills used in contact and alarm.
