White wagtail

Holds cultural symbolism in some societies, representing good luck

Andreas Trepte


White wagtail

EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

Holds cultural symbolism in some societies, representing good luck

Population 135,000,000 – 221,000,000

With a bold black cap adorning their heads and contrasting white faces, throats, and bellies, these avian beauties create a captivating contrast against the backdrop of their black wings and tails. This distinct coloration, coupled with their signature tail-wagging behavior, makes them instantly recognizable in a variety of habitats, from urban areas and riversides to wetlands and grasslands.

Despite their small size, White Wagtails are agile and adaptable foragers, displaying remarkable skill in seeking out insects and small invertebrates on the ground. Their constant movement and energetic behavior make them a delight to observe as they dart and flit about in search of prey.

During the breeding season, White Wagtails construct cup-shaped nests in concealed locations, such as among rocks or in vegetation, where the female lays a clutch of eggs. Both parents share the responsibilities of incubating the eggs and caring for the hatchlings, demonstrating a remarkable level of parental cooperation.

One of the most fascinating aspects of White Wagtails is their migratory behavior. Populations in Europe and Asia embark on extensive journeys to warmer regions in Africa and South Asia during the winter months. This seasonal migration allows them to escape harsh winter conditions and take advantage of more abundant food sources in their wintering grounds.

While White Wagtails are primarily insectivorous, they are known to supplement their diet with seeds and small fruits, especially during the non-breeding season when insects may be less plentiful. Their adaptability and opportunistic feeding habits contribute to their success in a wide range of habitats and environments.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Afghanistan
2018
Albania
2018
Breeding
Algeria
2018
Andorra
2018
Armenia
2018
Breeding
Australia
2018
Vagrant
Austria
2018
Azerbaijan
2018
Bahrain
2018
Bangladesh
2018
Belarus
2018
Breeding
Belgium
2018
Benin
2018
Non-Breeding
Bhutan
2018
Bosnia And Herz.
2018
Breeding
Brunei
2018
Vagrant
Bulgaria
2018
Burkina Faso
2018
Burundi
2018
Vagrant
Cambodia
2018
Cameroon
2018
Canada
2018
Vagrant
Cape Verde
2018
Central Af. Rep.
2018
Chad
2018
China
2018
Breeding
Comoros
2018
Vagrant
Croatia
2018
Cyprus
2018
Czechia
2018
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
2018
Denmark
2018
Djibouti
2018
Egypt
2018
Eritrea
2018
Estonia
2018
Ethiopia
2018
Faroe Islands
2018
Breeding
Finland
2018
France
2018
Gabon
2018
Vagrant
Gambia
2018
Georgia
2018
Breeding
Germany
2018
Ghana
2018
Breeding
Gibraltar
2018
Non-Breeding
Greece
2018
Greenland
2018
Breeding
Guam
2018
Origin Uncertain
Guinea-Bissau
2018
Guinea
2018
Hong Kong
2018
Hungary
2018
Breeding
Iceland
2018
Breeding
India
2018
Breeding
Iran
2018
Iraq
2018
Ireland
2018
Israel
2018
Italy
2018
Japan
2018
Breeding
Jordan
2018
Kazakhstan
2018
Breeding
Kenya
2018
Korea
2018
Breeding
Kuwait
2018
Kyrgyzstan
2018
Laos
2018
Latvia
2018
Lebanon
2018
Libya
2018
Liechtenstein
2018
Lithuania
2018
Luxembourg
2018
Macao
2018
Seasonality Uncertain
Malaysia
2018
Mali
2018
Malta
2018
Non-Breeding
Mauritania
2018
Mexico
2018
Moldova
2018
Mongolia
2018
Breeding
Montenegro
2018
Breeding
Morocco
2018
Myanmar
2018
Nepal
2018
Breeding
Netherlands
2018
Niger
2018
Nigeria
2018
Nort. Mariana Is.
2018
Vagrant
North Korea
2018
Breeding
North Macedonia
2018
Norway
2018
Breeding
Oman
2018
Pakistan
2018
Breeding
Palau
2018
Vagrant
Philippines
2018
Poland
2018
Portugal
2018
Qatar
2018
Romania
2018
Russia
2018
Rwanda
2018
Origin Uncertain
Saint Pierre
2018
Vagrant
San Marino
2018
Saudi Arabia
2018
Senegal
2018
Serbia
2018
Breeding
Seychelles
2018
Vagrant
Sierra Leone
2018
Singapore
2018
Slovakia
2018
Slovenia
2018
Somalia
2018
South Sudan
2018
Non-Breeding
Spain
2018
Sri Lanka
2018
Sudan
2018
Svalbard
2018
Breeding
Sweden
2018
Switzerland
2018
Syria
2018
Taiwan
2018
Breeding
Tajikistan
2018
Breeding
Tanzania
2018
Vagrant
Thailand
2018
Togo
2018
Vagrant
Trinidad & Tobago
2018
Vagrant
Tunisia
2018
Turkmenistan
2018
Breeding
Turkey
2018
UAE
2018
Non-Breeding
Uganda
2018
Ukraine
2018
United Kingdom
2018
United States
2018
Breeding
Uzbekistan
2018
Breeding
Vietnam
2018
Yemen
2018
Zambia
2018
Origin Uncertain
Zimbabwe
2018
Origin Uncertain

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No