Oenanthe oenanthe; wheatears are inhabitants of rocky landscapes and other rough areas like dunes. They can be found all over Eurasia, North America and Northern Africa. A characteristic feature is their habit of running around. It is indeed, very much a ground dwelling restless bird. The list photo is one of a male while the opening photo depicts a female. The female differs in having brown colors on the wings, the male has black backs. The female also misses the conspicuous black spot around and behind the eye. Also, the grey upper parts are less pronounced in females. It breeds all over Iceland but - as specialized insect eater - has to migrates south after summer.
Text & Photographs by Dick Vuijk
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