Black-eared Wheatear

Oenanthe hispanica

(O. h. melanoleuca)

Armenian Name:	Սևախայտ քարաթռչնակ

See Plate 45 for Black-eared Wheatear and other similar species

Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Common
Length:	14.5 cm, Wing Span:25-27 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 249.
Description:	Terminal black tail band appears narrow due to extended white on outertail feathers. Dark- and light-throated phases occur.
Adult (Breeding):	Male has off-white back and underparts, black mask not joining black of wings; throat black or white. Female is brown above with darker mask and wings. Orange tint on breast.
Adult (Non-breeding):	Both sexes with extensive pale feather edges on head and wing.
Juvenile:	Similar to female but with spotted upperparts.
Similar Species:	Breeding female differs from breeding female Pied Wheatear by paler, browner plumage with reddish tint, and usually less black in tail band.
Behavior:	Often perches on bush or rock; makes short flights to catch prey.
Habitat:	Arid rocky semidesert.
Food:	Invertebrates.
Nest:	Cup of stems on ground under overhanging rocks.
Eggs:	20 mm, 4-6, pale blue, red-brown spots.