What is black wheatear.?

The black wheatear, scientifically known as Oenanthe leucura, is a small passerine bird that belongs to the chat family. It is a resident breeder in the rocky mountains of southwestern Europe, Morocco, and Algeria. This bird species prefers arid or semiarid habitats, such as rocky slopes, valleys, cliffs, and gorges, with sparse vegetation. It has an average size of 15 to 16 cm in length and weighs around 26 grams.

The male black wheatear has black plumage with a distinctive white rump, while the female has brownish-gray upperparts and a pale underside. Its diet consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, which it hunts by hopping and running along the ground and rocks. The black wheatear usually feeds alone or in pairs.

During the breeding season, black wheatears build nests from roots, twigs, and other plant material, often in rock crevices or under boulders. Females lay 3 to 5 eggs, which they incubate for about 12 to 14 days. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 13 to 15 days.

The black wheatear has a population size estimated to number between 1.7 and 3 million birds globally. The species is not considered to be threatened with extinction, but habitat loss and degradation caused by agriculture, tourism, and urbanization are potential threats to its population.