Wheatear

Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe

Description

Smaller than a Blackbird, this bird is nearly always seen on the ground. The male has a grey back with black wings and a pale orange front. The female is generally buff. Both show a conspicuous white rump in flight.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

This is a bird of upland areas where it breeds but can be seen in fields whilst on passage

When to see it

Spring and autumn whilst it passes through on migration.

Life History

The Wheatear feeds on insects and larvae which it hunts for on the ground. It supposedly gets its name from a derivation of 'white-arse', referring to its white rump.

UK Status

Widespread in Britain though less so in eastern England

VC55 Status

A regular passage migrant and frequently seen in Leicestershire and Rutland..

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records