did you know that in Ye Olde Dayes this summer migrant was known as the Hwitars (white arse) for obvious reasons http://www.birdingegypt.com/images/Oenleu72.JPG. that isnt our bird but it's the only image I can find to show where the Olde English name comes from.
that gradually changed until it became Wheatear.
the only similar name I can think of is the Mallard. The drake was once considered a species of duck and called a Male Ard. The female was once called the Wild Duck.
useless info re Wheatears - a bird
I remember now why i hadn't seen that white bottom - the link won't work for me :(
Didn't know these, they're fascinating, have you remembered any more yet?
Baa
Jun 19, 2002
Wheatear is a bit nicer sounding that White Arse LOL. Good info Mark! I couldn't get the link to come up either :(