Japanese wagtail

The Japanese wagtail is a species of bird in the pipit and wagtail family Motacillidae. It is native to Japan and Korea.

Description

The Japanese wagtail is about 20 cm long. The sexes look similar; they have white underparts and black upperparts, throats, and backs. Their supercilia are also white. They have black beaks and dark grey legs and feet. The plumage of a juvenile is greyer than that of an adult.

Taxonomy and systematics

The bird's Latin species name, grandis, means large.

Conservation

The Japanese wagtail is classed as a species of least concern by the IUCN. It has a stable population.

Behavior

Diet

The Japanese wagtail eats insects.

Roosting

Large groups of Japanese wagtails roost together in trees.

Breeding

Nests are built in cavities near water. The parents both look after the eggs and chicks. Four to six eggs are laid in each clutch.

Distribution

It is native to Japan and Korea. Vagrant birds have been recorded in Taiwan, eastern China and far-eastern Russia. It lives in inland wetlands, on arable land and in urban areas.