Mourning Wheatear vs Variable Wheatear

Mourning Wheatear

Oenanthe lugens

Small22 gRocky

The mourning wheatear measures 14–16 cm (5.5–6.3 in) in length and weighs between 19–25 g (0.67–0.88 oz). It is characterised by its striking black-and-white plumage. Both males and females share a similar appearance, featuring a white crown, nape, chest, and belly that contrast with the black head and neck, which extend to the black back. The tail is predominantly white, marked by a black stripe at the tip and a central black intrusion forming an inverted "T" pattern, a characteristic feature of wheatears.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: PsJeremy from Melbourne, Australia · CC BY 2.0

Variable Wheatear

Oenanthe picata

Small22 gDesert

The variable wheatear is a bird of arid and semi-arid region, and is locally abundant in barren rocky areas, sand dunes with scrub vegetation, cultivation, ravines, outside villages and nomadic encampments. It is polymorphic and has three distinct morphs. Black-bellied phase (opistholeuca). Male (adult). Entirely jet black except rump, under tail-coverts, base and sides of tail which are white; central rectrices and terminal band of tail black. Female has black parts replaced by sooty black. White-bellied phase (picata) Male (adult). Like the preceding but belly white.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Parth Kansara · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Mourning Wheatear and Variable Wheatear.