Common name: Isabelline Wheatear
Scientific name: Oenanthe isabellina
Family: Muscicapidae

Size:
Body length: 15–17 cm
Wingspan: 26–32 cm
Weight: 20–30 g

Identification:
A sandy-brown wheatear with a fairly upright stance and long legs, giving it a slightly lark-like appearance. Overall plumage is pale buff to sandy, with a lighter underside. The tail shows a distinct black “T” pattern, typical of wheatears, though less bold than in some species. It has a pale supercilium and a relatively long bill. Sexes are similar.

Habitat:
Open deserts, semi-desert plains, gravel flats, and sparsely vegetated landscapes.

Status in the UAE:
Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Widely distributed across open habitats.

Diet:
Insectivorous — feeds on insects and other small invertebrates.

Behavior:
Often seen standing upright on the ground or small mounds. Actively forages by running and pausing, catching insects on the ground. Frequently flicks its tail and makes short flights. Usually solitary or in loose groups.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)