Isabelline Wheatear
Scientific Name: Oenanthe isabellinaMaltese Name: Kuda Ramlija
Family: Thrushes and Chats (Turdidae)
Occurence: Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Isabelline Wheatear is like a female Northern Wheatear but it is larger in length, more upright and more tawny in colour, and has more black on its tail. The term isabelline refers to the colouration. The axillaries and underwing coverts are white, whereas in the commoner bird they are mottled with grey. Sexes are similar. It is a migratory insectivorous bird. It breeds in southern Russia and central Asia to Northern Pakistan, wintering in Africa and India.
Status:
Scarce Spring migrant, rare in Autumn.
When to See:
It normally arrives a bit earlier than the more common Northern Wheatear, occurring from mid-March til mid-April. Occassionally recorded in September.
Where to See:
It prefers open land with low-lying shrubs and rocks. Fields and garrigue areas are very good areas. Comino, Migra Ferha and Ta Cenc are examples of very good places to see Isabelline Wheatear, along with other Wheatear species.
Photographs:
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Isabelline Wheatear, Majjistral Natural Park, 4th April 2010 |
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