Desert Wheatear
Oenanthe deserti
The Desert Wheatear is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during the spring and autumn, with most sightings occurring in the southern and eastern parts of the country. It is a distinctive bird that can be found in open, dry areas with low vegetation, often near the coast.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Desert Wheatear in the field.
The Desert Wheatear can be identified by its pale plumage, white rump patch, and distinctive black throat patch, as well as its upright posture and long, black tail with white outer feathers.
The Desert Wheatear is slightly smaller than a Robin, but larger than a Blue Tit.
The male Desert Wheatear has a grey-brown back, wings, and tail, with a white belly, white rump patch, and a distinctive black throat patch that extends onto the breast, with some seasonal variation in the intensity of the colours.
The female Desert Wheatear is similar to the male, but with a less intense black throat patch and a more buff-coloured belly.
The Desert Wheatear's call is a sharp, metallic "tek" or "chak" sound, while its song is a series of short, melodic phrases.
The Desert Wheatear is a ground-foraging bird that feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, often running or hopping to catch its prey, and can be seen performing a distinctive, bouncing flight when in pursuit of food or a mate.
The Desert Wheatear can be confused with the Northern Wheatear, but can be distinguished by its pale plumage, white rump patch, and black throat patch, as well as its more upright posture and longer tail.
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