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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Oenanthe melanoleuca
Eastern black-eared wheatear (male). Greek: ασπροκωλίνα (αρσενική). Fokia, Pefki, April 2023.
Breeding migrant, common and widespread. April to September. Length 13-16 cm, wingspan 25-27 cm. Sexes similar, female sandy to dark brown overall, some males have black face and throat. Rocky hillsides, scrubland. Forages on ground and in flight, feeds mainly on insects. Nests in ground holes, under rocks. Territorial male behaviour. Sings from perches (often rocks) and in display flight. Loud melodious trilling song.
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