About the White Wagtail
The white wagtail is a small passerine bird in the family Motacillidae, which also includes pipits and longclaws. The species breeds in the Palearctic zone in most of Europe and Asia and parts of North Africa; it also has a toehold in western Alaska as a scarce breeder. It is resident in the mildest parts of its range, but otherwise migrates to Africa. In total, there are between 9 and 11 subspecies of M. alba; in Ireland and Great Britain, the black-backed subspecies known as the pied wagtail predominates.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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The white wagtail is a slender bird, 16.5 to 19 cm (6.5 to 7.5 in) in length; the East Asian subspecies are slightly longer, measuring up to 21 cm (8.3 in). It has the characteristic long, constantly wagging tail of its genus. Its average weight is 25 g (0.88 oz) and the maximum lifespan in the wild is about 12 years. There are a number of other subspecies, some of which may have arisen because of partial geographical isolation, such as the resident British and Irish form, the pied wagtail M. a. yarrellii, which now also breeds in adjacent areas of the neighbouring European mainland.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the White Wagtail sounds like
Where the White Wagtail lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada, Australia, South Africa, Cameroon, French Guiana, Mexico, St. Pierre & Miquelon, Réunion, Zambia.
When to see the White Wagtail
Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Grey WagtailMotacilla cinereaThis slim wagtail has a narrow white supercilium and a broken eye ring.
Western Yellow WagtailMotacilla flavaThe western yellow wagtail is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family Motacillidae, which also includes the pipits and longclaws.
Cape WagtailMotacilla capensisThe Cape wagtail has a dull plumage and a relatively short tail, with olive grey breast and face, with a tan supercilium and dark lores.
Side by side: Grey Wagtail vs White Wagtail · Cape Wagtail vs White Wagtail
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