Wheatear
Oenanthe oenanthe
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Wheatear is one of the great signs of spring on the Sefton Coast — the first individuals can appear in late February or early March, long before most migrants. Males in spring plumage are handsome: grey back, black mask, white supercilium, apricot-orange breast. Both sexes have a brilliant white rump in flight that flashes as they bound away across the dune grassland. Most birds passing through are heading to upland breeding areas in northern England and Scotland.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Habitat | Open dune grassland · Beach · Short-grazed coastal turf · Rocky ground |
| Diet | Insects and invertebrates — catches prey on the ground |
| UK population | Around 230,000 pairs in upland UK; coastal birds mainly passage |
| Sefton Coast | Regular spring and autumn passage; one of the first spring migrants to arrive in March |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Open dune grassland and beach at Formby and Ainsdale. Perches on dune fencing and open ground.
Identification
Small, upright chat. Male: grey back, black mask and wings, white supercilium, orange breast. Female: brown version. Both: conspicuous white rump in flight, black-tipped white tail forming inverted T. Bob and bow.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk open dune grassland at Formby in March–April or August–September. Look for small birds running on the ground and bobbing on fence posts. The white rump flash when disturbed is unmistakeable.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Wheatears passing the Sefton Coast come from?
Wheatears are one of the longest-distance migrants among small birds. Populations breeding in Greenland pass through the UK on their way to and from wintering areas in sub-Saharan Africa — a journey of up to 14,500 km. Even small Wheatears, weighing only 25g, complete this journey twice a year. Spring birds in March are some of the most welcome wildlife sights on the Sefton Coast.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.