Oenanthe oenanthe, commonly known as the Northern Wheatear, is native to a wide geographical range that includes parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is found from Iceland and the British Isles across continental Europe and Central Asia to northwestern Canada and eastern Alaska in North America during breeding season.

The Northern Wheatear typically inhabits open landscapes with sparse vegetation, such as tundra, rocky hills, grasslands, coastal cliffs, and alpine regions. This species favors environments with a cool to temperate climate, often in areas with loose soil that facilitates its ground-nesting behavior.

As a ground-dwelling insectivore, the Northern Wheatear primarily feeds on insects and their larvae, as well as some spiders and seeds. Its ecological niche involves acting as both a predator to small invertebrates and prey to larger birds. The species is adapted to long-distance migration, traveling from breeding grounds in northern regions to wintering areas in sub-Saharan Africa, thus influencing various ecosystems across its migratory route.