Black-eared wheatear

French name: Traquet oreillard

Scientific name: Oenanthe hispanica

Interesting information

This species is easy to identify: its cream colour contrasting with black cheeks, throat and wings. The female is much less contrasted with the wings, cheek and throat tending be more brown rather than black. It therefore has a more overall brownish appearance.

Call and song

Distribution and habitat

The Black-eared wheatear prefers open arid environments. A patchwork of bare soil, rocky outcrops or dry stone walls, as well as clean vegetation is essential to its presence.
In France, 90 % of the population is in the  Languedoc-Roussillon region and mainly in the Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales departments.
In the Aude, the population is declining and is confined to the dry grassland and low scrubland of the coastal fringe.

Distribution maps: region and county

Breeding birds Atlas – Languedoc Roussillon (2012-2021) – source: faune-lr.org

Breeding birds Atlas – Aude (2012) – source: LPO11

Conservation status and population trends

With less than 500 breeding pairs in France, this species is considered rare. A decline of 40 to 70% of the population has been observed since 1999. That’s why the IUCN Red List considers this species as endangered in France and in the region. The main threats are related to the gradual closure of its habitats (abandonment of pastoralism and maintenance of garrigues, reduction of fires).

When to see this species in the Languedoc-Roussillon

The Black-eared wheatear can be seen in the Languedoc from mid-April. It leaves for its winter quarters at the end of August/September. The graph below shows the average numbers of Black-eared wheatear seen in the Languedoc by month.

Spring migration around Leucate

Private day trip 23rd March 2021 – Migration and other birding around Leucate

Guide of the day: Karline Martorell accompanied by Philippa Benson
Participants: Delia, Richard and Sam
Weather conditions: sunny with moderate wind(perfect for migration) dropping from mid-day, temps ranging from 8°C to 18°C+
Highlights of the day: Penduline tit, Short-toed eagle and general migration (Sparrowhawk 30+, Alpine swift, a few Common crane…)

The aim of the day was to see some active migration, so when Richard said at the end of the morning, I hope it calms down a bit now, I knew we’d achieved our goal!

Sparrowhawk were coming through thick and fast, with several Osprey overhead and a few Black kite not quite so close. A few Common crane passed overhead and Cormorant were heading through in large groups (we saw one of 80+ birds). We were lucky to see 3 or 4 Penduline tits on a migratory stop over, including a couple that showed nicely, sitting out in the sunshine feeding on the seed heads. Excellent views!
We picnicked in style, in warm sunshine, at the Leucate vismig spot, looking south to the Pyrenees, hoping to see some more migration, but the birds were having a break too…

In the afternoon, we headed inland where we picked up a couple of Short-toed eagle (recently arrived summer residents) one of which posed for us at the top of a pine tree in the valley below, a clear but distant view after seeing them circle directly above us.

Another great day’s birding!

Just click on the link below to read or download the detailed trip report and bird list.

 

Trip report and bird list 2021.03.23 Leucate

P.S. Vismig at Leucate: Med Migration logs records and the indefatigable Gabi Caucal writes a daily humorous report (in English) on Trektellen

Total counts for 23/02/21 included a group of over 800 White stork (which we somehow managed to miss!), over 1,000 Cormorant, nearly 150 Sparrowhawk, and very nearly 17,000 (yes, seventeen thousand!) Chaffinch. It was a very good day for vismig – but there is plenty more to come!

March day trip around Canet-en-Roussillon

BLDT03-21 Saturday 20th March 2021 – Day trip birding around Canet-en-Roussillon

Guide of the day: Karline Martorell accompanied by Philippa Benson
Participants: 6
Weather conditions: Very strong NW wind,  mostly sunny, temps ranging from 6°C to 11°C
Highlights of the day: Bluethroat, Great spotted cuckoo and Iberian green woodpecker

As a reward for putting up with challenging weather conditions, we were treated to some great views of our target species! We felt particularly lucky to get a really excellent view of a male Bluethroat in full breeding plumage feeding out in the open. This excitement was soon followed by a short but clear view of a Great spotted cuckoo. And we were pleased to be able to show all participants close-up views in the scope of the distinguishing features of Iberian green woodpecker, also feeding in full view.

Click on the link below to read or download the full trip report and bird list.

 

Trip report and bird list 2021.03.20 Canet

Golden oriole

Golden oriole male –  © P.Gourdon

French name: Loriot d’Europe 

Scientific name: Oriolus oriolus

Interesting information

The male is bright yellow with black wings while the female is duller. The young look like the female with a duller yellow on the back and a white breast streaked with black. If its song is heard from afar, the Golden oriole remains very shy and is rarely well seen.

Call and song

The call is a screech like a jay, but the song is really melodious and sounds like a tropical bird.

Distribution and habitat

Aude river - © K.Martorell

This summer visitor appreciates deciduous trees. In the region, it is often associated with riparian forest and is therefore at the edge of wetlands. The nest is built at the top of a tree and looks like a kind of hammock. It feeds on insects and fruit.
Locally, the Golden oriole is present throughout the region and the Aude department but absent at altitude and in north Lozere.

Distribution maps: region and county

Breeding birds Atlas – Languedoc Roussillon (2012-2021) – source: faune-lr.org

Breeding birds Atlas – Aude (2012) – source: LPO11

Conservation status and population trends

The population trend in Europe appears to be stable. In France, despite significant inter-annual fluctuations related to weather conditions, the populations are stable or even increasing. The IUCN red list for the Languedoc-Roussillon considers the species as least concern (quite common in the region). Golden oriole does not seem threatened and is quite common at the moment.

When to see this species in the Languedoc-Roussillon

The Golden oriole can be seen in the Languedoc from mid-April but especially early May. It leaves for its winter quarters at the end of August. The graph below shows the average numbers of Golden oriole seen in the Languedoc by month.

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