wheatear

This study was begun in 1990 to investigate the timing of migration and the abundance of the Greenland race Oenanthe oenanthe leucorrhoa. Both the nominate race O.o.oenanthe and the Greenland race O. o. leucorrhoa, occur on the Norfolk coast in both spring and autumn but this project concentrates on the spring passage. Between 1990 and 2002 we trapped and ringed 1,158 birds. Additionally from spring 2000 until spring 2002 they were colour ringed with combinations as follows:
Left leg: 2 colours. Right leg: Metal ring over 2 colours.
Colours that were used are red, yellow, lime green, white, blue, orange.
It is unlikely that any of these birds are alive now as it is 31 years since the study ended.

Results

This 12 year study showed that birds on passage in March are predominately the nominate race O.o.oenanthe. Greenland race wheatears O .o.leucorrhoa begin to arrive in mid April and then the ratio of Greenland:nominate is approximately 50:50.

In May, Greenland wheatears predominate and outnumber the nominate race. The ultimate destinations of these Greenland race birds, whether it is Greenland or Iceland is not known as there have been no recoveries from the breeding grounds!

An analysis of wing lengths and weights of Wheatears Oenanthe oenanthe caught on the north west Norfolk coast in spring to determine the incidence and timing of the Greenland race between 1990 - 1996 was undertaken and a Pdf file can be downloaded here.