Wheatear
Oenanthe oenanthe
Conservation status data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Muscicapidae
Genus
Oenanthe
Wheatear belongs to the family Muscicapidae, order Passeriformes, within the Aves class.
Species Profile
Species profile data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The Northern Wheatear faces severe population declines across its range due to habitat degradation and climate change impacts on its breeding and wintering grounds. Agricultural intensification has eliminated crucial grassland and moorland habitats, while changing precipitation patterns and rising temperatures disrupt insect prey availability during critical breeding periods.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Open grasslands, moorlands, heathlands, and alpine meadows typically above 200m elevation, requiring short-grass areas with scattered rocks, stone walls, or other perching sites for hunting insects. Also utilizes coastal dunes, upland pastures, and similar open habitats with sparse vegetation during breeding and migration.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The Northern Wheatear faces severe population declines across its range due to habitat degradation and climate change impacts on its breeding and wintering grounds. Agricultural intensification has eliminated crucial grassland and moorland habitats, while changing precipitation patterns and rising temperatures disrupt insect prey availability during critical breeding periods.
Agricultural intensification and grassland conversion
Climate change affecting breeding success and migration timing
Habitat fragmentation in upland areas
Pesticide use reducing insect prey availability
Overgrazing and land use changes in wintering areas
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/wheatear