Wildlife

Wheatear Welfare on Open Upland

Wheatears are long-distance migrants that breed on open upland, coastal grassland and machair in the UK, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa on a journey of up to 15,000 km.

Key Facts

Northern wheatears undertake one of the longest migrations of any songbird
They use open, short-grazed grassland and rocky ground for nesting
Rabbit burrows and dry stone wall crevices are common nest sites
UK populations have declined on some upland areas due to grazing pressure changes

Welfare Considerations

Wheatear welfare on breeding grounds depends on maintaining short grassland sward with access to invertebrates and suitable nest cavities. Changes in rabbit populations, upland grazing intensity and vegetation structure all affect breeding success and chick survival.

What You Can Do

Retain dry stone walls and field margins that provide nest cavities for wheatears
Support appropriate upland grazing management that maintains short turf
Record wheatear arrival and breeding through BTO BirdTrack
Support conservation of sub-Saharan African habitat corridors used during migration