wheatear

/ˈʍiːtɪəɹ/

Etymology

Uncertain. Probably a back-formation from Middle English whit ers (“white arse”), after the prominent white rump of many species. Compare dialect forms white rump, white-tail. Possibly a compound of wheat + ear or white + ear. Attested since the seventeenth century as wheat-ears or wheatgear.

noun

Any of various passerine birds of the genus Oenanthe that feed on insects,“What abundance of Hens, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys, Pigeons, and Larks? [...] Maychit, Stint, Sea-Plover, Pewits, Redshanks, Rayles, and Wheat-ears, Herrons, Cranes, Bitterns, Bustards, Puffins, God-wits,”
Any of various passerine birds of the genus Oenanthe that feed on insects,; especially, the northern wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)
An ear of wheat.
A decorative pattern resembling an ear of wheat.
An anomalous form of carnation, producing small green ears instead of flowers.