About Oenanthe monacha (Temminck, 1825)
Oenanthe monacha, commonly called the hooded wheatear, has a body length of 15.5–17 cm (6.1–6.7 in), a wingspan of 29–30 cm (11–12 in), and a body weight of 18–20 grams (0.63–0.71 oz). In summer, breeding males have a distinct black and white plumage: the white crown and belly contrast sharply with the black face, back, and throat. The rump and tail are white, with black feathers running down the center of the tail. Females have overall brown plumage, which becomes noticeably paler on the underparts. The female's tail pattern matches the male's, but the base plumage color is buff instead of white. This species is a resident breeding bird found in unvegetated desert, ranging from eastern Egypt through the Arabian Peninsula to Iran and Pakistan; it was formerly a scarce breeder in the Hajar Mountains of the United Arab Emirates and Oman. It appears annually in Cyprus during migration. The species builds its nest in rock crevices, and a typical clutch contains 3 to 6 eggs. It feeds on insects, often catching its prey in flight. Its call is a whistled vit, and its song is described as harsh chattering.
