ExploreBird

Pied Wagtail

Motacilla alba

The Pied Wagtail is a cheerful little bird with a black and white body. It loves to hop around and wag its tail, especially near water.

Habitat: Wetlands and urban areas

Appearance

The Pied Wagtail has striking black and white plumage with grey on its back. It is easily recognized by its long, constantly wagging tail, which is black with white outer feathers. Its distinctive pattern makes it stand out from most other small garden birds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyMotacillidaeGenusMotacilla

Pied Wagtail

Interesting facts

Some Pied Wagtails travel thousands of miles to warmer places for winter.

Their constant tail-wagging is how they got their unique name!

They often sleep together in huge groups, sometimes hundreds, in cold weather.

You might see them chasing insects disturbed by moving cars or tractors!

Special abilities

Pied Wagtail can constantly wag its long tail because it helps them balance while walking and flush out hidden insects.

Pied Wagtail has incredibly agile flight that helps them dart and weave in the air to catch flying insects.

Pied Wagtail can thrive in many places because they easily adapt their diet and nesting sites to human environments.

Measurements & details

Length: 16.5-19 cm
Wingspan: 25-30 cm
Weight: 0.017-0.025 kg
Lifespan: 2-5 years
Top Speed: 50 km/h
Clutch Size: 3-7
Incubation: 12-14 days
Migration Distance: 1000 km

Diet & Feeding

Pied Wagtails are expert insect hunters, catching flies, beetles, and other small creepy crawlies!

Primary Foods

Flies
Beetles
Caterpillars
Ants
Spiders
Small aquatic invertebrates

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisus

A common raptor that preys on small birds.

eaten by

Feral Cat

Felis catus

Opportunistic predator of garden birds.

hunts

Housefly

Musca domestica

A common insect often caught in flight.

hunts

Small White butterfly

Pieris rapae

Catches the caterpillars of this common garden pest.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Singing

Listen to the beautiful sounds of nature's singers! These animals use their voices to attract friends, mark their territory, or even warn others.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!