Wheatears are striking migratory chats breeding in upland and coastal habitats, with welfare linked to invertebrate availability and nest site provision.
Wheatear welfare at breeding sites depends on short grazed grassland with abundant invertebrates and suitable nesting burrows. Loss of traditional rabbit grazing in areas of myxomatosis has reduced nest site availability. Upland overgrazing creates too-short vegetation without invertebrate diversity. Changes in invertebrate phenology from climate change create mismatches between wheatear arrival and prey availability. Welfare-focused management maintains a diversity of grassland structure with rabbit populations supporting both nest sites and appropriate sward height.