Wheatear Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements
Wheatears are roughly the same size as a robin and are easy to spot due the the dark mask that runs through their eyes, white stripe above the eye and black “T” on their white rump and a light orange breast.
They are seen in Britain and Ireland from early March through to late October when they leave the UK and migrate to Africa. During spring and autumn birds travelling to and from Greenland and Alaska pass through the UK which swells their numbers briefly.
Many will fly non-stop all the way across the Atlantic ocean from Britain to northern Spain and then onto Africa from there. To find out more about these interesting colourful birds, keep reading.
Table of Contents
The Dietary Habits Of The Wheatear
Let’s start by looking into the dietary habits of the wheatear. We’ll look at what they eat and what they feed their young.
What Does A Wheatear Eat?
Wheatears have a varied diet consisting mainly of insects, larvae and other invertebrates but they will also eat berries. Their main sources of food include; ants, spiders, wasps, beetles, grasshoppers, snails, slugs, caterpillars, flies and insect larvae.
What To Feed A Baby Wheatear?
Both parents forage for food to feed to their chicks. In the first week of their life the chicks are fed the same insects and invertebrates and larvae that have been swallowed and regurgitated,
These food sources are high in protein which is necessary for the growth and development of the chicks enabling them to become strong and able to fend for themselves.
Breeding Habits Of Wheatears
Wheatears reach sexual maturity at around 1 year of age. The male perches on branches and sings to attract the female and sometimes performs song-flights. Once they pair up, they set about selecting a suitable nesting site.
Although both birds are active in the search for a nesting site it is ultimately the female that chooses the site. A typical wheatear nest is located in a rocky crevice, in a wall crevice or a disused rabbit burrow or even an old disused pipe.
The nest is made from plant material which includes; grass, moss, twigs and other plant materials which is then lined with feathers, wool or fur to provide a comfortable environment for the eggs and chicks.
Do Wheatears Mate For Life?
Wheatears form monogamous pairs for the duration of the breeding season. Once the season finishes the pairs go their separate ways and will typically mate with a new partner the following year.
This ensures that the gene pool remains mixed and ensures the survival of fit, healthy future generations.
The Size & Weight Of Wheatears
In this section we’ll look into the size and weight of wheatears in order to make identification a simpler task.
How Much Does A Wheatear Weigh?
The weight of an adult wheatear ranges from around 17 to 30 grams. This is roughly the same weight as a small chicken’s egg or a compact mirror. An average sized kiwifruit also weighs around 30 grams too.
How Big Is A Wheatear?
An adult wheatear is around the same size as a robin, around 14.5 to 15.5 cm in length. However a wheatear has a larger wingspan than a robin. The wheatear has a wingspan of between 26 to 32 cm whereas a robin has a wingspan somewhere in the region of around 20 to 22 cm.
Are Wheatears Under Threat?
Although not considered under threat worldwide, in the UK the wheatear is Amber listed by the UK Birds of Conservation Concern. Elsewhere the wheatear is considered to be a bird of least concern by both the Species of European Conservation Concern (SECC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
This indicates that as a species, the wheatear has a widespread presence and is abundant with no immediate risk of population decline. Having said that, like many species of birds, the wheatear does face potential threats from habitat loss, climate change as well as other environmental factors.
These include;
- Habitat Loss
Many bird habitats are under threat from agricultural expansion, urbanisation and changes to land usage. These factors can seriously reduce the availability of suitable breeding and feeding habitats. - Climate Change
Changes in climatic conditions can affect breeding and migration timings which can be detrimental to birds especially if food sources become scarce due to adverse weather conditions. - Pollution & Pesticides
Birds like wheatears rely on insect populations as a main source of food. The overuse of pesticides can seriously reduce insect numbers, as can pollution.
What Eats A Wheatear?
The location of wheatear nests in crevices, burrows and other hidden places offers some protection against predators. But they still face the threat of predators and are particularly vulnerable during the nesting period.
Birds of prey like Falcons, Owls and Hawks all prey on adult and fledgling wheatears from the air. While foxes, weasels, rats and domestic cats prey on the eggs, chicks and adult birds.
Another threat to the breeding wheatear population are snakes which enter their burrows and steal eggs and chicks and will also eat adult birds too.
Where Can I See Wheatears In The UK?
Wheatears can be seen in various habitats across the UK and you’re most likely to spot them during the breeding and migratory seasons. They prefer to breed on uplands and moorlands such as the Scottish Highlands, the Pennines and the upland areas of Wales.
They can also often be seen on coastal cliffs and rocky shorelines typically in areas of western and northern parts of the UK. Other breeding habitats can be found in the North York Moors National Park, the Peak District National Park and in Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks.
During their migratory period, wheatears can often be seen on southern and eastern coastal areas like East Anglia, Kent and Sussex. They also tend to stop off in open farmlands and heathlands to rest and feed during their long migratory flights.
They are often found perched in prominent places like fence posts, driftwood, rocks and concrete structures. From these positions they can spot food on the ground to sustain them as they gather strength for their long arduous journeys.
SEE ALSO: Sedge Warbler Vs Reed Warbler
Frequently Asked Questions
Wheatears have a varied diet consisting mainly of insects and their larvae. Their diet includes; ants, spiders, wasps, beetles, grasshoppers, snails, slugs, caterpillars, flies and insect larvae which is often supplemented with berries.
Wheatears are not considered to be a bird under threat. Although the wheatear is classified as Amber listed by the UK Birds of Conservation Concern. Elsewhere the wheatear is considered to be a bird of least concern by both the Species of European Conservation Concern (SECC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
An average adult wheatear is around the same size as a robin with an overall length of somewhere between 14.5 to 15.5 cm. However, the wheatear has a larger wingspan which measures around 26 to 32 cm. Wheatears weigh around 17 to 30 grams.
