When was White-browed Wagtail created?

Motacilla maderaspatensis Gmelin, JF, 1789.

1. Are white wagtails rare?
2. Why is a wagtail called a wagtail?
3. What are the White Wagtail threats?
4. What is the difference between a pied wagtail and a White Wagtail?
5. Where are the white wagtails?
6. What is the difference between a male and female wagtail?
7. How many babies do wagtails have?
8. Do wagtails like water?
9. Are wagtails solitary?
10. Do chaffinches migrate?
11. How much do wagtails weigh?
12. Do wagtails migrate?
13. Are Pied Wagtails rare?
14. Where do wagtails nest?
15. How do you attract pied wagtails?

Are white wagtails rare?

At present, there are nine recognised subspecies of White Wagtail Motacilla alba. ... The latter is the familiar Pied Wagtail, a common British and Irish species with limited migration, and very rare instances of breeding in north-west France and southern Norway.

Why is a wagtail called a wagtail?

The forest wagtail belongs to the monotypic genus Dendronanthus which is closely related to Motacilla and sometimes included therein. The common name and genus names are derived from their characteristic tail pumping behaviour.

What are the White Wagtail threats?

During the breeding season, the White Wagtail is very territorial and can become very aggressive towards other birds and intruders. They can chase larger birds such as Dippers and shorebirds from the breeding territory. During these threat displays, the plumage is usually puffed up and the tail is raised.

What is the difference between a pied wagtail and a White Wagtail?

Evans & Cade 2011, The Separation of White and Pied Wagtails

Obviously, the main differences are the bold black coloration of the male Pied Wagtail and the contrasting pale grey upperparts of the male White Wagtail.

Where are the white wagtails?

White wagtails occupy a wide range of habitats but are absent from deserts. They inhabit grasslands, seashores, rocky shorelines, sand beaches, tidepools, rivers, lakeshores, farmland, gardens, and parks. They are also often found in towns and villages.

What is the difference between a male and female wagtail?

In the summer male pied wagtails have a white forehead, cheeks and belly with a black mantle, head, throat and breast. ... During winter the back is darker grey and the throat is white. Females are darker grey with a black crown, throat, breast, rump and tail.

How many babies do wagtails have?

Pied Wagtail nesting and breeding habits

Two broods per season are usual, with a clutch of five to six eggs which hatch after about 13 days.

Do wagtails like water?

They can be spotted near streams, rivers or any sources of running water. In winter they can be seen in groups flying around farmland, woods, and even towns and city centers. They are rare garden visitor but can be spotted on occasion strolling about the lawns or near garden ponds.

Are wagtails solitary?

Outside the breeding season and depending on food availability, pied wagtails are either solitary or gregarious in behaviour. ... They do roost communally during the summer months (less so during the breeding season), but this phenomenon is most noticeable during the winter, when roosts can amount to 3,000 to 4,000 birds!

Do chaffinches migrate?

Outside the breeding season, chaffinches form flocks in open countryside and forage for seeds on the ground. ... They are partial migrants; birds breeding in warmer regions are sedentary, while those breeding in the colder northern areas of their range winter further south.

How much do wagtails weigh?

An adult willie wagtail is between 19 and 21.5 cm (7.5 and 8.5 in) in length and weighs 17–24 g (0.6–0.85 oz), with a tail 10–11 cm (approx 4 in) long.

Do wagtails migrate?

More about the species

Pied wagtails are year-round residents in southern areas of the UK but some breed in the uplands and migrate south in the winter, even crossing the channel. White wagtails tend to pass through the UK in the autumn on their migration to southern Europe and Africa.

Are Pied Wagtails rare?

A common and familiar bird, the pied wagtail is often seen in towns and cities, dashing across lawns, roads and car parks while wagging its long tail up and down. Pied wagtails eat insects, but will feed on seeds and even rubbish in winter.

Where do wagtails nest?

Pied Wagtail Reproduction

These birds nest from mid-April onwards. Prefers their nests in holes or crevices in buildings, rocks, cliffs, trees etc. They will also nest on the ground and in old, abandoned nests.

How do you attract pied wagtails?

How to attract them to your garden: Large gardens, close to water, are favoured. Although Pied Wagtails generally eat invertebrates, they may be tempted by crumbs scattered on the ground. numbers in recent years, the longer-term trend is favourable. gardens, favouring those with ponds or larger lawns.