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 Wheatear
Oenanthe oenanthe L 14.5. Breeds commonly in
open, stony country and prefers areas with sparse
vegetation. In all plumages tail has characteristic
black and white pattern. Male is recognised
by ash-grey back and crown, black eye-stripe
together with pure white supercilium in summer
plumage. Faint rosy-buff tone on underparts
fades to white in summer. Female is brownish-grey
above and has distinct creamy-white stripe above
the eye inclining to buff in front of eye. Juvenile
resembles female but has light wavy barring.
Greenland race Oe. oe. leucorrhoa is slightly
larger and heavier-billed, browner above and
tinged rufous below; passes through Britain,
especially W coast, in good numbers in both
spring and autumn. Utters a sharp whistle, 'heet',
and a hard 'chak'. Sings from stone or in short
song flight, frequently at night. Song consists
of a short, crackly and rippling phrase at fast
tempo, always with whistled 'heet' interwoven.
SP
 An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising
birds is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain
and Europe, which is a comprehensive reference
guide to Britain and mainland Europe's plethora
of ornithological life.
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