Migratory endemic (breeds exclusively in Cyprus) species of the island of Cyprus. It arrives in spring from between mid-March to mid-April and leaves in autumn (September – mid-October), where it overwinters in sub-Saharan Africa (mainly Sudan and Ethiopia).

It’s seen and breeds from sea level to the highest grounds of Troodos mountains, in open areas with low vegetation and bushes, rocky areas, mainly open forests and even inside villages. It uses holes in walls, rocks, road banks etc. An insectivore bird that catches insects primarily from the ground.

It’s often seen perched high on a tree or bush, electricity wires and posts etc., while the male’s song (a continuous ‘bizzz-bizzz’) sounds in the surrounding area resembling an insect sound when someone is not familiar with it. It’s small sized, with black back and neck, white crown and neck, whitish belly and undersides. The tail is black with white sides. Sexes don’t show strong differences between them, with the male having ‘clearer’ white crown.