Northern Wheatear
Scientific Name: Oenanthe oenantheMaltese Name: Kuda
Family: Thrushes and Chats (Turdidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Wheatear is a graceful, small bird. Males have a white stripe above eye, black patch through eye and pale grey crown and back. It has pale underside, black legs and a white tail. In flight, the white tail is evident, with a bold black 'T' shape. This bird mainly feeds on insects and other invertebrates found on the ground. It often exposes itself on a low shrub and perching in search of any insects below. Flies low over the ground when disturbed and quickly resettles on an exposed rock. It breeds in highlands throughout Europe and winters in Africa.
Status:
Common migrant, especially in spring, when it sometimes occurs in influxes.
When to See:
The Wheatear is one of the first migrants to appear, both in spring and in Autumn. In spring it can be seen from as early as the beginning of March and remains until May. In autumn from the end of August till October.
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 Wheatear.
Photographs:
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Male Northern Wheatear, Comino |
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Female Northern Wheatear, Majjistral Natural Park |
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