Hooded Wheatear
Oenanthe monacha
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Hooded Wheatear is a striking bird with distinctive markings. Males have a black body with a prominent white crown stripe extending through the eye to the nape. This contrasts with their white lower back, tail edges, and underparts. Their tail centre feathers are black with subtle dark markings near the tip.
Females are more subtly coloured, with pale sandy-brown plumage, mid-grey wings, and rusty-brown tones on their lower back and tail. Both sexes have black legs and beaks. Young birds look similar to females but have buff spots above and dark scaling below.
Size
Length
16cm to 18cm
Wingspan
28cm to 32cm
Weight
18g to 23g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Hooded Wheatears inhabit arid and semi-arid regions, favoring rocky deserts, barren hillsides, and mountain slopes. Their range extends from northeastern Africa through the Middle East to southwestern Asia.
While primarily resident in much of their range, some populations undertake short-distance migrations. They are most common in countries like Egypt, Israel, and Iran.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,400 meters
Climate zones
Arid, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Hooded Wheatear. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Highly agile flyer capable of swift aerial manoeuvres to catch insects in mid-air. Their 'sit-and-wait' hunting strategy requires precise control and quick reflexes for successful prey capture.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not particularly strong for their size, they possess adequate strength for their lifestyle. Their small body mass (18-23g) limits their overall strength, though they're capable of carrying nesting materials and defending territories.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Remarkable adaptability to extreme desert conditions, surviving in areas with minimal rainfall. Shows behavioural flexibility by following large animals to catch disturbed insects and can thrive at elevations up to 1,400 metres.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Moderately aggressive during breeding season, defending territories and nest sites. Males actively engage in territorial displays and defence, though they're not notably aggressive compared to other similar-sized birds.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Good endurance demonstrated through their ability to maintain territories year-round in harsh desert conditions. Capable of sustained hunting flights and some populations undertake short-distance migrations, indicating decent stamina.
Diet
Hooded Wheatears primarily feed on insects, including beetles, ants, and flying insects. They employ a 'sit-and-wait' hunting strategy, swooping down from perches to catch prey on the ground or in mid-air.
During autumn, they may supplement their diet with small berries.
Behaviour
Hooded Wheatears are often seen perched prominently on rocks or low bushes, from where they scan for prey. They are agile flyers, frequently engaging in short, swift flights to catch insects mid-air.
These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs, maintaining territories year-round in some areas.
Vocalisation
The Hooded Wheatear's song is a melodious, warbling whistle, often delivered from a prominent perch or during display flights.
Their call is a sharp, metallic 'chack' or 'tick'. During the breeding season, males become particularly vocal, singing to establish territories and attract mates.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Hooded Wheatears typically occurs from March to June. Males perform aerial displays to attract females, including song flights and wing-fluttering displays.
Nests are built in rock crevices, holes in cliffs, or sometimes in abandoned burrows. The female constructs a cup-shaped nest using grass, roots, and animal hair, often lining it with softer materials.
The female lays 3-5 pale blue eggs with reddish-brown spots. Incubation lasts about 13-14 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after approximately 14-16 days.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Hooded Wheatear is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, like many desert species, it faces threats from habitat degradation due to overgrazing and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting its arid habitat and monitoring population trends.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Not quantified
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Hooded Wheatears in rocky desert areas and mountain slopes
- Watch for their distinctive black and white plumage (males) or brown and grey colouration (females)
- Observe their habit of perching on prominent rocks or bushes
- Listen for their melodious whistling calls, especially during the breeding season
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Family:
MuscicapidaeAverage Lifespan
2 years
Predators
Main predators include snakes, small mammals like foxes, and birds of prey such as falcons and shrikes.
Did You Know?
- Hooded Wheatears can survive in areas with very little rainfall, adapting to extreme desert conditions.
- They have been observed following large animals to catch insects disturbed by their movement.
- Some individuals have been known to reuse the same nesting site for multiple years.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Oenanthe monacha (amended version of 2018 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22710244A155518940.
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