Wheatear
Oenanthe oenanthe
Length 14-15cm

Summer visitor present from March to September. Breeds on coastal grassland, moors and heaths, common only in W and N; very local in E and SE England. Seen on migration around coasts generally. Male (A) has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts with orange-buff wash on breast. Female (B) has mainly sandy-brown plumage. Both sexes show white rump in flight. Perches low and nests in burrow. Chak alarm call like pebbles being knocked together.