Common name: Black-eared Wheatear
Scientific name: Oenanthe hispanica
Family: Muscicapidae

Size:
Length: 13–15 cm
Wingspan: 23–26 cm
Weight: 15–25 g

Identification:
A small, elegant wheatear with a slender build and upright posture. Males are striking, showing a creamy-white to orange-buff body, contrasting black wings, and a distinct black facial mask extending over the ear coverts, giving the species its name. The throat may appear white or black depending on the morph. Females are more subdued, with sandy-brown upperparts and paler underparts, lacking the bold contrast of males but still showing the characteristic shape and stance.

Habitat:
Prefers dry, open landscapes including rocky hillsides, semi-arid slopes, scrublands, and sparsely vegetated terrain. In Lebanon, it is commonly associated with mountainous regions, open countryside, and areas with scattered rocks and low vegetation.

Status in Lebanon:
Migratory breeder and passage migrant. Present during the breeding season in suitable habitats, particularly in open and semi-arid areas, and observed during migration periods.

Diet:
Insectivorous — feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and other small invertebrates, often captured on the ground or during short flights.

Behavior:
Active and alert, frequently seen perched upright on rocks or low shrubs, scanning for prey. Often moves with quick hops or short flights between perches. During the breeding season, males may display conspicuously, while the species remains generally solitary or in pairs. Its presence is strongly linked to seasonal migration and open, undisturbed habitats.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List – Global)