Northern Wheatear

Oenanthe oenanthe

(O. o. oenanthe)

Armenian Name:	Սովորական քարաթռչնակ

See Plate 45 for Northern Wheatear and other similar species

Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Common
Length:	14.5-15.5 cm, Wing Span:26-32 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 248.
Description:	Pale supercilium and medium-width black tail band.
Adult (Breeding):	Male has blue-gray from crown to back, black mask and wings, pale orange throat and breast, and white underparts. Female is duller and browner above; paler face.
Adult (Non-breeding):	Both sexes similar to female, but with yellow tint on entire plumage and pale edges on wing feathers.
Juvenile:	Similar to non-breeding female but darker and duller; scalloped below.
Similar Species:	Differs from Isabelline Wheatear by smaller size, narrower black tail band, and dark underwing coverts and axillaries.
Behavior:	Perches on rocks scanning for movement of insects. Song-flights given at heights of 15-30 m.
Habitat:	Open rocky plains from semidesert to high mountains, river gorges; fields and grasslands in migration.
Food:	Invertebrates, few berries.
Nest:	Cup of stems and grasses in rock cavity, wall, or under rocks.
Eggs:	21 mm, 4-7, pale blue.