Pied Wheatear x Black-eared Wheatear

presumed Pied Wheatear x Black-eared Wheatear, Balcik (Bulgaria), 18th April 2006 - copyright Steve Mlodinow

(photo ID: 2012)

There have been a number of claims of Finsch's Wheatear in Bulgaria, but it seems that these have proved controversial.  They have been found breeding with female Pied Wheatears and a more likely explanation is that they are Pied Wheatear x Eastern Black-eared Wheatear hybrids.  Such hybrids are known to occur frequently and their appearance can be strikingly similar to that of Finsch's Wheatear.

Some hybrids have darker backs than this bird, but I think this should be in range for a worn and faded bird at least.  It is sometimes said that the absence of a white tip to the tail is a pointer away from Finsch's Wheatear, although I am not sure that's enough to rule out Finsch's on its own as surely the white must disappear on worn birds?  More telling for Steve's bird here is the way the black extends up the outer tail feather - it should not do this on a Finsch's Wheatear.

presumed Pied Wheatear x Black-eared Wheatear (same bird as in photo ID 2012 above), Balcik (Bulgaria), 18th April 2006 - copyright Steve Mlodinow

(photo ID: 2013)

Finsch's Wheatear Oenanthe finschii
Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka
(Eastern) Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe (hispanica) melanoleuca