Variable Wheatear

Oenanthe picata

Order:

Passeriformes

Family:

Muscicapidae

Size:

15 cm

Weight:

20-25 g

Taxonomy:

(Blyth, 1847)

Short Description:

Variable Wheatear (Oenanthe picata) is a small passerine bird found in Pakistan. It has a distinctive black and white plumage with variable markings, hence its name. Males and females look similar, with a black mask-like marking across the eyes. It typically inhabits rocky areas, deserts, and open grasslands.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

Variable Wheatears are primarily found in the northern and western regions of Pakistan, including mountainous areas like the Himalayas and the Karakoram Range. They can also be spotted in the Balochistan province and some parts of Punjab. During migration, they may move to lower altitudes and coastal areas.

These birds are often seen perched on rocks or low bushes, scanning the ground for insects, their primary food source. They have a distinctive bobbing motion while foraging. Variable Wheatears are territorial during the breeding season, with males engaging in aerial displays to attract mates. They are generally solitary or found in pairs during the breeding season but may form small flocks during migration. Overall, they are agile and active birds with a characteristic flight pattern characterized by short bursts of wingbeats interspersed with gliding.