Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe

Smaller than a Blackbird, this bird is nearly always seen on the ground. The male has a grey back with black wings and a pale orange front. The female is generally buff. Both show a conspicuous white rump in flight.

This is a bird of upland areas where it breeds but can be seen in fields whilst on passage

Spring and autumn whilst it passes through on migration.

The Wheatear feeds on insects and larvae which it hunts for on the ground. It supposedly gets its name from a derivation of 'white-arse', referring to its white rump.

Widespread in Britain though less so in eastern England

A regular passage migrant and frequently seen in Leicestershire and Rutland..