White-crowned Wheatear / Oenanthe leucopyga **

The White-crowned Wheatear (Oenanthe leucopyga) is a rare and exceptional sight in the UAE, making it an exciting find for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. Typically found in arid, rocky deserts of North Africa and parts of the Middle East, its presence in the UAE is considered unusual, which adds significant value to documenting this species. Photographing the White-crowned Wheatear is important because it helps track rare migratory or vagrant birds in the region, contributing to scientific records and conservation efforts. Each sighting provides valuable insight into its movement patterns and habitat preferences, making every photograph a crucial part of understanding and preserving the UAE's diverse avian life.

​The White-crowned Wheatear (Oenanthe leucopyga) is recognized as a vagrant species in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), meaning its appearances are rare and not part of regular migratory patterns. According to BirdLife International, this species is listed as "Extant, Vagrant, Non-Breeding" in the UAE. Additionally, the "List of birds of the United Arab Emirates" denotes the White-crowned Wheatear with an "(A)", indicating its accidental or rare occurrence in the region.

NOT EVALUATED DATA DEFICIENT LEAST CONCERN** NEAR THREATENED VULNERABLE ENDANGERED CRITICALLY ENDANGERED EXTINCT IN THE WILD EXTINCT
NE DD LC NT VU EN CR EW EX