Identification
A rather large, pale wheatear with an upright stance, a pale eyebrow and a bold white rump contrasting with a mostly dark tail.
When to look
A migratory species. Romanian occurrence should be considered in relation to suitable dry habitat and season, rather than assumed for all regions.
Where to look
Dry, open, sparsely vegetated plains, steppe and similar ground provide feeding areas. Burrowing mammals can supply nesting opportunities.
Behaviour and ecology
Food and nutrition
Mainly insects and other small invertebrates collected from open ground. Low vegetation makes prey easier to detect.
Breeding and life cycle
A cup nest is commonly placed deep inside a mammal burrow, though other cavities can be used.
A closer look
The link with burrowing mammals is practical: an underground shelter created by another animal can become a bird's nest site.
Global conservation assessment
LC · Least Concern
Global category recorded from the linked assessment; it does not describe local abundance. Least Concern does not mean absence of threats.
View the source assessment ↗Observation and photography
Watch from a track and compare posture, bill and tail pattern. Never inspect a burrow or stand between a bird and its nest entrance.
Sources and further reading
Keep a distance that allows birds to feed and rest normally. Do not enter colonies, approach nests, flush roosts or use playback for photographs. Never publish precise nest locations of sensitive species. Follow reserve rules and your guide's advice.