Heuglin's Wheatear
NameHeuglin's Wheatear
Common NameHeuglin's Wheatear
Scientific NameOenanthe heuglini
FamilyMuscicapidae
Wingspan (cm)25.5
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is generally warm brown on the upperparts, with paler buffy-white underparts. It features a faint dark eye-stripe and a pale supercilium, with darker brown wings that show paler feather edges. The tail is dark with white outer tail feathers, a characteristic wheatear pattern, though not fully visible in this image.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a short, sharp 'chak' or 'tack' call, often given when alarmed. The song is a simple, warbling series of notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeHeuglin's Wheatear breeds across the Sahel region of Africa, from Senegal east to Sudan and Eritrea, and migrates south to winter in the savannas of West and Central Africa.
Identifying FeaturesBrown upperparts, Pale underparts, Faint dark eye-stripe, Pale supercilium, Dark tail with white outer tail feathers, Upright posture, Ground-foraging behavior
Description
Heuglin's Wheatear is a small, slender passerine bird found in the open, dry grasslands and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. It typically exhibits a brownish plumage with paler underparts and forages on the ground for insects.
