Wheatear
Claochrán
Oenanthe oenanthe
Status :
Coastal, common
Size : 14-16 cm
Wingspan : 27-31 cm
The Wheatear is a stuning bird, during the autumn it has a pale brown and sandy colouration but during the breeding period it is grey, white and black.
They live on Insects and Larvae, and are often seen around the coast, this does not however mean that they do not come inland. Wheatears have been recorded in the middle of Ireland and breed at Doonis Lough in Tang, Athlone (the very centre of Ireland). They are usually seen in pairs, and a white rump above the tail makes them distinctive in flight.
Top Wheatear
photographed on St Margret's Beach, Wexford 2007
Bottom Wheatear photographed at Doonis Lough, Athlone
2006