The African pied wagtail, known scientifically as Motacilla aguimp, presents a striking black and white plumage. The upperparts are a glossy black, creating a stark contrast with the bird's white underparts. A distinctive white supercilium and a white patch on the folded wing add to its bold patterning. Juvenile birds exhibit a greyer hue, and those of the nominate subspecies display grey flanks. This species measures approximately 20 cm in length.
When identifying the African pied wagtail, look for the characteristic black and white coloration. The black upperparts contrast sharply with the white underparts, and the white supercilium is a key feature. In flight, the white wing patch is visible. Juveniles are greyer than adults, and some variation in flank color can be observed in different subspecies.
This bird favors subtropical or tropical environments, particularly seasonally wet or flooded lowland grasslands and riverine areas. It can also be found in freshwater marshes. In urban settings, it often lives in close association with humans.
The African pied wagtail has a wide range across sub-Saharan Africa, from the Eastern Cape northward to the southernmost reaches of Egypt, and from Guinea to western Eritrea and Somalia. It is occasionally seen as a vagrant in Burkina Faso, Gambia, Mauritania, and the Western Cape.
