nrigby
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Re:What is it please? - 2006/09/14 07:11
Hi Dave,
I'm pretty certain that you have seen a Wheatear. Conincidently I saw Wheatears off the beach in Pevensey last weekend.
The RSPB description is as follows:
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenanthe
The wheatear is a small mainly ground-dwelling bird. It hops or runs on the ground. It it blue-grey above with black wings and white below with an orange flush to the breast. It has a black cheek. In flight it shows a white rump and a black 'T' shape on its tail. It is a summer visitor and passage migrant. Birds breed mainly in western and northern Britain and western Ireland, although smaller numbers do breed in southern and eastern England. It winters in central Africa.
Where does it live?
Breeding
Rocky and stony places, upland pastures with dry-stone walls and on moorland. In lowland areas, also on short grassland.
Wintering
Central Africa
Passage
Widespread, stopping in open places, often near the coast.
Where to see it
In the breeding season, best looked for on upland suitable habitat in northern and western Britain. May be seen on passage at coastal migration watchpoints and inland.
What does it eat?
Insects and larvae.
What does it sound like?
Its main calls are a harsh ‘chak-chak’ or ‘ weet-chak-chak. It also has a brief song of melodious warbling notes, harsh scratchy sounds and whistles.
When to see it
March to October
Similar species
whinchat
Reserves
* Ramsey Island
* Ynys Dewi
Does this sound like what you saw?
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