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Recordings
Scientific Name
Oenanthe monacha
Arabic Name
الفقاقة المقلنسة
Kuwaiti name
فقاقة
Length
17.0 cm
Similar species
Information
Vagrant. Rarely observed in early spring and winter. One of several black-and-white desert wheatears so characteristic of the rocky deserts. A Middle Eastern specialty with a rather restricted distribution through central and western Arabia.
Where in Kuwait
Only 8 records for Kuwait with the last seen near Jahra East Outfall in November 2012. It has preference for wide, dry riverbeds with rocks and bushes, but also near quarries and buildings in fields and mountains.
In the world
It has an extremely large range and a population that is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats. It s a resident breeder in unvegetated desert from eastern Egypt through the Arabian peninsula (it used to be in UAE and Oman a scarce breeder in Hajar mountains) to Iran and Pakistan. It occurs at elevations from sea-level to around 1,400 metres. This species is named for the distinctive white plumage on the top of the head and the back of neck, which resembles a hood. It also has a long thinnish beak, a large head and short legs.
Local threats
Habitat loss and degradation