Arabian Wheatear Oenanthe lugentoides is
a rather scarce resident of the south-west highlands, but is also found in
Oman, Palestine and Yemen, mainly in rocky, bushy sites but widespread on the
Jebal Souda plateau, Wadi Tale’a, Pipeline Road, near Farshah, Gara’a and
Tanumah. In 1987 it was recorded more frequently so the species may have
declined slightly, with disturbance not thought likely to be the reason as it
is often associated with gardens and regularly breeds near human sites. Also
occurs in the Tihama mainly around jebals such as Jebal Aswad and Jebal Gaha.
They nest in holes in terrace walls and feed largely on insects. They are
common in the upper reaches of the Raghadan Forest and the upper parts of the
Golden Tulip valley. As well as around the Wadi Thee Gazelle valley near Taif.
