Capped Wheatear (Oenanthe pileata livingstonii) - 8 July 2013. Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha Region, Tanzania.



These handsome, upright birds were active, flamboyant and easy to see. The name "wheatear" appears to be corruption of "white rear," named for the conspicuous white base to their tail. The species ranges throughout southern Africa in arid flat grasslands.

Three races are recognized, this is the northernmost, O. p. livingstoni. It is said to be slightly smaller, darker and having a narrower white forehead band than the others. Formerly classed as a member of the thrush family (Turdidae), wheatears are now considered to be an Old World flycatcher (Muscicapidae).

Nikon P510 Coolpix Point-and-shoot.
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