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Grey Wagtail | Motacilla cinerea
The Grey Wagtail is a Southern African bird that belongs to the Motacillidae bird family group which includes birds such as Wagtails, Longclaws, Pipits. The description for the Grey Wagtail (Latin name Motacilla cinerea) can be found in the 7th Edition of the Roberts Birds of Southern Africa. The Motacilla cinerea can be quickly identified by its unique Roberts identification number of 715 and the detailed description of this bird is on page 1095. You will find a picture of the Grey Wagtail on page 1073. NOTE: The reference for the information following is "Roberts Birds of Southern Africa", 7th Edition*. This edition contained a number of taxonomic changes as well as changes to English names used traditionally and in earlier editions of most bird books in South Africa. The following paragraph notes such changes if any. Neither the Latin nor the Engish name for this bird has been affected by recent nomenclature modifications ? these changes have been incorporated into Robert's 7th Edition where appropriate. The Grey Wagtail has a height of 19 cms and weighs around 18 gms. The head is coloured grey while the bill is coloured grey. The Motacilla cinerea has a white coloured throat, brown legs and a grey coloured back. The eyes are brown. The male Motacilla cinerea has physical features that are slightly different from the female bird. Take note of the main distinguishing features such as colour, size and leg length relative to the body size. Colours of body parts can be helpful. Be aware what may appear brown to one person is described in Roberts using some other word ... for example brown, black. See colours used in Roberts. Head is grey Eyes are brown Bill is grey Legs are brown Throat is white Back is grey Feeding Habits ...This bird forages for food on the ground This bird has a specially adapted bill which helps it hunt for fish, crabs, shrimp and other aquatic animals in the water. This bird eats insects such as butterflies, bees, wasps, locusts and ants. These invertebrates are usually hawked aerially, killed and then eaten . Breeding, Habitat and Nesting Habits ...The nest is built high up in the tree canopy and is protected from predators by branches and the dense green foligae. The Grey Wagtail is found in the Southern African wetlands, riverine forests and moist grasslands. The bird is at home in riverine forests and close to water bodies such as lakes, dams and streams The bird is an urban dweller as well, being at home in parks, gardens and in old vacated buildings Seen in Flocks, Singles or Pairs Normally ...The Grey Wagtail is mainly seen singly or in pairs in the wild. It is also seen in flocks |
