Cyprian Wheatear

Oenanthe bottae

The Cyprian Wheatear (Oenanthe bottae) is a small migratory bird species found in the eastern Mediterranean region. These birds are known for their distinctive white eye stripe and pale underparts. During the breeding season, the males display a striking black throat and chestnut upperparts, while the females have a more subdued plumage. Cyprian Wheatears prefer open, rocky areas with scrub vegetation, and are often found in semi-arid habitats such as coastal cliffs, scrubland, and open fields. They are known for their agile foraging behavior, hopping and running on the ground in search of insects and small invertebrates. The conservation status of the Cyprian Wheatear is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Habitat: Open, rocky areas with scrub vegetation