This member of a widely distributed genus (containing about thirty species) wanders so rarely into the tundras of Alaska from Siberia that little is known of its habits. The derivation of its Latin name — "I inhabit a rock" — is appropriate for it is a bird of the open places. In the Old World it sings on the wing during the nuptial season, like the Skylark, altho its vocal efforts are far less varied or sustained than that minstrel's.
NEST: of dried grass, leaves and weed stems, lined with finer grass: located on the ground or in rock or wall crevices.
EGGS, 4 to 6, plain pale greenish blue.
Northern and central east Alaska, south to Yukon mouth and Pribolof Islands.
Same as WHEATEAR.
Breeds in Arctic Zone from Ellsmere Land east to Greenland and Iceland. Migrates casually to Keewatin, Ontario, New Brunswick, Quebec, New York, Bermuda, Louisiana and Cuba.