For some time, the vittata phenotype of Wheatear has been considered as a subspecies of Pied Wheatear O. pleschanka (Lepechin, 1770). Systematic location of Oenanthe pleschanka vittata (Hemprich et Ehrenberg, 1833) remains unclear for some reasons. This rare phenotype has frequently recorded by some local birders and travelers in eastern and north parts of Alborz mountains in Iran (Southwest Asia), Quchan, Disful and Arsanjan between April and August. Other records show that it is also reported in Azerbaijn along “il” river and northern India. Hartert (1910) is considered vittata as a morph of O. pleschanka, with a male plumage but white throat. It is also hypothesized that vittata could be an intermediatetaxa resulted from hybridization between O. pleschanka and O. hispanica. But interesting enough the geographical distribution range of vittata does not occur even in the hybrid zone of this species pairs.Additional data about the nesting, breeding, singing, and courtship behaviors are required. Our data based on 36 morphometrical characters did not support the separation of vittata from pleshanka. Further studies using molecular data could possibly give more resolution on the systematic situation of this taxon.

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