Forest Wagtail

The Forest Wagtail, Dendronanthus indicus, is a medium-sized passerine bird, unique within its family for its olive-brown back and crown, and the peculiar sideways wagging of its tail. It measures approximately 18 cm in length and exhibits a slender build with a notably long tail. The wings are black, adorned with two yellow wing bars and white edges on the tertials. A white supercilium sits above a dark eye stripe, while the underparts are predominantly white, interrupted by a distinctive black double breast band. The upper breast band resembles a bib, and the lower band is often fragmented. Both sexes share a similar plumage, and juveniles appear more yellowish below.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Forest Wagtail, look for the combination of the olive-brown back, the unique tail-wagging behavior, and the black-and-yellow wing pattern. The double breast band is also a key feature, setting it apart from other wagtails.

Habitat

The Forest Wagtail is a bird of the woods, as its name suggests. It prefers open areas within forested environments, such as clearings, and during the winter, it can be found in shaded forest habitats or along paths in coffee plantations and forest clearings.

Distribution

This species breeds in the temperate regions of East Asia, including parts of Korea, China, and Siberia. It is a migratory bird, wintering across tropical Asia from India to Indonesia. The Forest Wagtail's journey to southern India and Sri Lanka may include a stopover in the Andaman Islands. It has also been recorded as a vagrant in the Maldives and Australia.

Behaviour

Forest Wagtails are typically observed alone or in small groups. They forage in trees, capturing insects along branches, and exhibit the ability to climb steep branches and run along horizontal ones. They may also forage on the ground, similar to pipits. When disturbed, they retreat to the trees, emitting a sharp 'pink' note. At night, they roost among reeds with other wagtails.

Song & Calls

The call of the Forest Wagtail is a single-note 'pink pink', frequently heard on the ground or in flight. They also possess a soft, lilting song. Intriguingly, the brown shrike has been known to mimic the calls of this species.

Breeding

The breeding season occurs in May for northeastern India and June in the Amur region. The Forest Wagtail departs from its wintering grounds in late March from Sri Lanka and mid-March from the Malay Peninsula. It is the only wagtail known to build nests in trees, often choosing oaks. The female constructs a cup-shaped nest from grass, rootlets, moss, and cobwebs, while the male stands guard. Typically, a clutch consists of five eggs, incubated solely by the female for about 13 to 15 days. The young fledge after 10 to 12 days, with both parents involved in feeding.

Similar Species

While the Forest Wagtail shares general characteristics with other wagtails, its unique tail movement, nesting habits, and plumage details distinguish it from its relatives.

Diet and Feeding

Insectivorous by nature, the Forest Wagtail searches for insects in trees and on the ground. In Sri Lanka, they are known to look for maggots in cattle dung, earning them the local name "gomarita."

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Forest Wagtail as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.