Wheatears
The Black Wheatear (Oenanthe leucura) occurs in western north Africa and Iberia, where it remains year-round.
Desciption
This large wheatear measures 16 - 18 cm in length.
The male's plumage is all black except a white rump and mainly white tail.
The female looks similar, but her plumage is dark brown rather than black.
Similar Species: The similar White-crowned Wheatear, Oenanthe leucopyga, also breeds in the African part of the Black Wheatear's range, but the Black Wheatear has a black inverted "T" on its white tail, whereas White-crowned has only a black centre to its tail. The Black Wheatear never has a white crown, but young White-crowned Wheatears also lack this feature.
Breeding / Nesting
They nest on cliffs and rocky slopes, where it lays 3 - 6 eggs in rock crevices.
Diet / Feeding
It mostly feeds on insects.
Song / Vocalization
Its song has been described as loud and thrush-like.
Species Research by Sibylle Johnson
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