Named after Allan Hume, the ornithologist who first identified the bird in 1872 in Pakistan, Hume’s wheatear (Oenanthe albonigra) is a small, conspicuous insectivorous bird. It has a long, stout bill, a rounded head, and short legs (2) (3) (4) (5).
Hume’s wheatear is easily identified by its bold, contrasting black and white plumage (6). The head, throat and pointed wings are black with a slight blue sheen, while the lower back and rump are pure white (4). The tail has a distinctive ‘T’-shaped pattern (7).
The adult female Hume’s wheatear is usually slightly duller than the male, but otherwise both sexes are fairly similar in appearance (2) (4). The juvenile Hume’s wheatear is similar to the adult, but is generally brownish rather than glossy black (4).
Hume’s wheatear can be distinguished from other Oeananthe species by its longer tail (2) (3) (4) and more upright stance (8).
The song of Hume’s wheatear is mostly heard during the breeding season. It is only ever sung by the male, and is usually delivered from high up on a cliff, from a perch, or during flight (4) (7).
- Length: 16.5 - 17 cm (2)
- Wingspan: 29 - 30.5 cm (2)
- Male weight: 23 - 28 g (2)
- Female weight: 22 - 27 g (2)