ExploreBirds

Northern Wheatear

Oenanthe oenanthe

The Northern Wheatear is a small bird with a beautiful, colorful plumage. It loves to hop around on the ground and can be found in open areas like fields and mountains.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Northern Wheatear has a distinctive white rump and tail with an inverted black 'T' pattern. Males sport a blue-grey back, black wings, and a prominent black eye mask, while females are duller brown. Their slender build and upright stance on the ground are characteristic.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyMuscicapidaeGenusOenanthe
Northern Wheatear
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Northern Wheatear

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Males have a distinctive black "mask" across their eyes, making them look mysterious!

Their name "Wheatear" means "white arse" in Old English, for its bright white rump!

These tiny birds are champions of migration, some flying from Arctic Canada to Africa!

They often nest in old burrows dug by rabbits or other small animals for safety!

Special abilities

Ability

Epic Migrator

Northern Wheatears can fly vast distances, even across oceans, because this helps them find the best food and breeding sites.

Ability

Insect Hunter

Northern Wheatears can quickly dart to catch flying insects because this helps them find prey in open, rocky areas.

Ability

Burrow Dweller

Northern Wheatears can nest in abandoned burrows or rock crevices because this helps protect their eggs and chicks.

Measurements & details

Length
14.5-16.5 cm
Wingspan
26-32 cm
Weight
0.017-0.03 kg
Lifespan
2-5 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
4-7
Incubation
11-14 days
Migration Distance
15000 km

Diet & Feeding

Northern Wheatears mostly eat insects and other small creepy crawlies they find on the ground.

Primary Foods

  • Beetles
  • Flies
  • Moths
  • Spiders
  • Ants
  • Larvae

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Northern Wheatear?

14.5-16.5 cm

What is Northern Wheatear's wingspan?

26-32 cm

How much does Northern Wheatear weigh?

0.017-0.03 kg

How long does Northern Wheatear live?

2-5 years

How fast can Northern Wheatear move?

45 km/h

What does Northern Wheatear eat?

Northern Wheatears mostly eat insects and other small creepy crawlies they find on the ground.

Where is Northern Wheatear usually found?

Grasslands

How does Northern Wheatear hunt?

Foraging

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