Pied Wheatear

(Oenanthe pleschanka)

Category of conservation concern (IUCN, 2020) – Least Concern

Population size: 2020: 186-334 pairs (2007: 350 – 500 pairs)

Distribution pattern

With compact and in some parts interrupted distribution breeding regularly along the coastal strip of the North Black Sea coast from Durankulak to Cape Emine. With dispersed isolated inland localities, including the westernmost and the southernmost parts of the country, where it probably breeds incidentally.

Population estimation for the period 2013 – 2020: During the period 2013-2020, the species was not established in all squares in the interior of the country, for which there is data for breeding before the year 2013 – the areas of Karnobat, Aytos and Provadia. It was not established in places along the coast – the area around and south of Varna (except for Cape Emine). New breeding habitats have not been identified.

Population size in Special Protection Areas of Natura 2000: 168-319 pairs (93% of the population). The highest numbers have been registered in the SPAs “Kaliakra” (123-234 pairs) and “Belite Skali” (30-50 pairs).

Comparative distribution of the species compared to the first breeding birds atlas (Iankov, 2007): Breeding locality until 2007 | Breeding locality until 2007, confirmed after 2015 – | New breeding locality after 2015. – The breeding localities after 2015 are identified on a base of raw data from smartbirds.org.

Habitats

Breeds mainly on steep cliffs and rocky (sea) shores, near steppes and dry calcareous grasslands, and wastelands, where often forages. Along the coast, the species also breeds on summerhouses. In the rest of the country – on inland cliffs and exposed rocks, and screes, often close to dry siliceous grasslands.

Trends in population changes for the period 2013-2020

Threats

Fires and ploughing of steppe and drought-loving grasslands, urbanization of the Black Sea coast.

Mikhail Iliev