Habitat:
Steppes, rocky slopes, scrub and open plains

Description:
The black-eared wheatear is a small passerine, 14–15 cm long, with contrasting plumage: pale grey crown and back, black wings and tail, white throat and a black eye stripe. It inhabits steppes, rocky slopes, scrub and open plains in southern Europe and Western Asia, feeding on insects and spiders on the ground or during low flights. During breeding (April to July), the male performs aerial displays and sings from a perch to attract the female and defend its territory.

Recommended lens:
>=300 mm

Photography tips:
Photograph the black-eared wheatear at dawn or late afternoon using a telephoto lens of ≥300 mm from a low hide in open habitats. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze its aerial sallies and a shallow depth of field to isolate its contrasting plumage. Be discreet and patient.