Oenanthe oenanthe
The Northern Wheatear’s scientific name is Oenanthe oenanthe. It means ‘Flower of the Vine’ in Ancient Greek.
Its binomial name is a lot simpler than the descriptive name Linnaeus gave it originally, which was “Motacilla dorso cano, fronte alba, oculorum fascia nigra”. Personally I prefer its Anglo Saxon name, which is White Arse.
More Wheatears
A curious Wheatear I sometimes wonder why Wheatears are so difficult to get close to. Then I remember that we have killed and… read more
Wheatears full of character Wheatear know how to strike a pose. Northern Wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe, are small yet very powerful birds. They have been… read more
The Flower of the Vine returns Wheatears are back on Westray. They've made their way from Africa to Westray to raise their families in hollows, rabbit… read more
Lookout Northern Wheatear are powerful birds and migrate to Africa for our winter. It's astonishing that so soon after being an… read more
A Wheatear explosion I've never been able to get close to Wheatears before. They are very wary birds. There are a few families… read more
Golden light The light is incredible on the west coast of Westray. It's golden, and reflects beautifully off the Atlantic onto the… read more
Westside Wheatears I've taken to walking the Westside of Westray. Yes, I've been taking a Walk on the Westside. The glorious weather… read more
