About Oenanthe melanura (Temminck, 1824)
Oenanthe melanura, commonly known as the blackstart, measures around 14 cm (5.5 in) in length, has a wingspan of 23–27 cm (9.1–10.6 in), and weighs approximately 15 g (0.53 oz). The nominate subspecies O. m. melanura has blueish ash-grey upperparts, darker wings, and a black rump and tail. Its belly and underwings are greyish white, and its bill and legs are black. Males and females have similar plumage. The North African subspecies O. m. lypura and O. m. airensis have browner plumage than the nominate race. In terms of distribution and habitat, the blackstart is common in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. In Israel, it is primarily found in the Negev Desert, Arava Valley, and Dead Sea areas; it also occurs further north in parts of the Jordan River valley, but is scarcer there. In Jordan, the species is restricted to western parts of the country, found across areas from the Jordan River valley south through the Dead Sea region to the Arava Valley and Aqaba Mountains.
