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Tuesday, 5 April 2016

3-1-2016 CENTRAL, HONG KONG - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)


Small terrestrial bird (about 18 cm or 7 in) with a characteristic long black tail, constantly wagging. Grey upperparts, white underparts and black wings with white stripes. Black head (throat and nape) and white face (forehead and flanks of the face). Black legs and bill.

Present in different types of habitats, most of them linked to water. Wet meadows, farmlands, coastal shores, banks, reservoirs, lagoons, temporary ponds, parks and gardens and even the urban environment.


Species present in the province all year round mostly as a wintering bird, although there are individuals which come to breed during the summer months and also birds in migratory passage. It breeds from April with up to three layings of 4 to 6 eggs. Nest in hollows of slopes and banks. Insectivore that forages actively, pecking on the ground, and in groups. Very linked to the ground and walker with a typical swing of the tail.

The White Wagtail is one of the most common and characteristic winter birds. It has a very long tail, which is constantly wagged up and down when it walks. It has a very distinctive undulating flight, but it is often seen on bare ground looking for insects. At dusk, hundreds of White Wagtails gather in the city centres to roost in big trees.

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