Western Black-eared Wheatear

Oenanthe hispanica

Vagrants from Southern Europe with 10 records for Britain & 10 for Ireland from April-October.

Breeds across Southern Europe & North West Africa from April-September.

Winters south of the Sahara.

Breeding Male has the forehead and crown white or nearly white, the mantle buff, and the wings blacker than those of the Northern Wheatear.

The underparts are white tinged with buff. The back, upper tail coverts and most of the tail are white.

A black mask extends from the ear coverts to the bill.

Females are a browner bird, but has the characteristic white lower back, and her seasonal changes are less marked.

Juveniles are duller.