variable wheatear

The Variable Wheatear (Oenanthe picata) is a small, resilient passerine bird belonging to the family Muscicapidae. Characterized by its striking polymorphism, this species is a specialist of arid regions, thriving in the harsh environments of Central and Southern Asia.

Measuring approximately 15 cm in length, the Variable Wheatear is famous for its three distinct color phases or morphs:

• Black-bellied ('opistholeuca'): Males are jet black except for a white rump and tail sides. Females are sooty black.
• White-bellied ('picata'): Similar to the black-bellied phase but features a white belly. Females are greyish-brown with buffish bellies.
• White-crowned ('capistrata'): Males have a white belly and black throat, but are distinguished by a white crown and nape. Females are earthy brown.

The Variable Wheatear is a bird of arid and semi-arid regions. It breeds in barren valleys and low hills. During the winter, it migrates to plains, stony desert foothills, and cultivated lands. It is frequently found in rocky areas, sand dunes with scrub, ravines, and even near nomadic encampments or outskirts of villages.

This species is primarily insectivorous. Its diet consists of:

• Coleopterans (beetles) and Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths).
• Ants, grasshoppers, and spiders.
• Small reptiles and occasional berries.
• Dipterans (flies), which it often catches in mid-flight.

Breeding typically takes place in barren rocky areas and valleys. Birds arrive at their breeding grounds between March and mid-April (depending on the region, such as Baluchistan or Chitral) and remain there until September. They are known to inhabit elevations ranging from sea level up to 1200 meters, though they have been spotted much higher.

The Variable Wheatear is an active hunter that searches for prey from a perch, rock, or low branch. Upon spotting movement, it flies to the ground to capture its prey. It is also known to dig with its bill to uncover invertebrates and peck at vegetation. Remarkably hardy, it has been observed in deep snow at altitudes of 2700 meters during winter.

The Variable Wheatear is currently locally abundant across its wide range, which spans from Egypt and Iran to India and Russia. While not specifically listed with a high threat level in this data, its adaptability to various arid and human-altered environments like cultivation helps maintain its population.

1. The species is polymorphic, meaning it exists in three distinct plumage variations within the same populations.
2. The geographical distribution of the female types does not perfectly align with the dominance of the male color phases.
3. Despite being a desert-dwelling bird, it can survive in extreme conditions including deep snow.
4. It is often found near human activity, such as cattle corrals and nomadic camps, during the winter months.

For the best chance to see a Variable Wheatear, visit northwestern India or Pakistan between August and March. Look for them perched prominently on rocks or low shrubs in stony semi-deserts. Bring high-quality binoculars to distinguish between the 'picata', 'opistholeuca', and 'capistrata' morphs.

The Variable Wheatear is a fascinating example of avian adaptation and diversity. Its ability to thrive in barren landscapes and its unique three-morph plumage system make it a priority species for birdwatchers and ornithologists exploring the arid regions of Asia.