TaxonHub
Northern Wheatear

Northern Wheatear

Oenanthe oenanthe

A small passerine bird of open habitats, known for its distinctive migratory behavior across vast distances between Arctic breeding grounds and African wintering regions.

Image Gallery

Northern Wheatear
Northern Wheatear
Northern Wheatear
Northern Wheatear
Northern Wheatear
ADSENSE SLOT

Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Tundra, alpine meadows, rocky terrain, open grasslands, and sparse shrublands across the Northern Hemisphere, ranging from Alaska and Canada to Eurasia.

Ecological Role

Key insectivorous species that controls insect populations, serves as prey for predators, and acts as bioindicator for ecosystem health in Arctic and subarctic environments.

Morphology

  • SKIN COAT Predominantly gray and white plumage, with males exhibiting darker markings during breeding season
  • LIMBS WINGS Strong legs for ground foraging, pointed wings enabling long-distance migration, wingspan approximately 26-32 cm
  • HEAD SENSORY Large, proportionate head with keen eyesight, prominent beak adapted for catching insects, rounded skull with excellent auditory capabilities
  • BODY STRUCTURE Compact, medium-sized passerine bird with a length of 14-16 cm and weight of 20-30 g, characterized by a robust build and relatively short tail
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Wiki
ADSENSE VERTICAL

Related Species in Muscicapidae