A photo of a White Wagtail (Motacilla alba), male
White Wagtail, Male

White Wagtail

Motacilla alba

The white wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small passerine bird in the family Motacillidae, which also includes pipits and longclaws. The species breeds in much of Europe and the Asian Palearctic and parts of North Africa. It has a toehold in Alaska as a scarce breeder. It is resident in the mildest parts of its range, but otherwise migrates to Africa. In Ireland and Great Britain, the darker subspecies, the pied wagtail or water wagtail (M. a. yarrellii) predominates. In total, there are between 9 and 11 subspecies. The white wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding, where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks. It nests in crevices in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures.
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White Wagtails on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
🦆
Julie Douglas
Saturday 25 Mar 2023 - 9:40pm
United Kingdom
A map showing the sighting location
🦂
Iain Webb
Saturday 25 Mar 2023 - 5:05pm
United Kingdom
A map showing the sighting location
🦂
Iain Webb
Saturday 25 Mar 2023 - 5:05pm
United Kingdom
A map showing the sighting location
🦢
Hilary Vivian
Saturday 25 Mar 2023 - 4:35pm
United Kingdom
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